5G mobile equipment could be located on street lighting columns and other assets we owned following the adoption of a new policy today (Wednesday 15 July).
Councillors were reviewing the decision taken by our Cabinet in 2020, when it wrote to the Government requesting greater reassurance over the use of 5G. No reply was ever received.
Over the past year, we have been examining the latest information on planning, health effects and economic case associated with 5G infrastructure.
The rollout of 5G has progressed nationally in recent years. However, ONS (Office for National Statistics) Data published by OFCOM in July last year highlighted that 5G coverage in Devon is significantly below the national average. North Devon, Torridge, and West Devon in particular are among the areas with the lowest levels of coverage in England.
Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs and Broadband, said:
“Many residents and councillors from across the county, particularly those living in our rural and coastal communities, have contacted me about poor mobile coverage and the challenges it creates in their daily lives. Whether it’s being unable to make a reliable phone call, struggling to access services online, running a business, working from home, or simply staying connected with family and friends, connectivity remains a significant issue for many people.
“The report highlights just how far behind Devon remains. National 5G coverage is now over 96%, yet Devon stands at only 66%. The position in some of our rural districts is even more concerning, with North Devon at 45.2%, Torridge at 46.7% and West Devon at 63.3% which are among the lowest levels of 5G coverage anywhere in England.
“Better connectivity can support rural businesses and micro-enterprises, enable more flexible and remote working, improve access to healthcare and public services, and help address rural isolation. It could also support sectors that are vital to Devon’s economy, including farming and tourism.”
“Importantly, Devon would not be acting alone. Other authorities are already supporting the deployment of 5G equipment on streetlighting and other public assets, including Dorset, Swindon and parts of Cornwall.”
Councillors agreed proposals that the Council adopts a new policy to support small cell 5G and future small cell mobile equipment to be used on Council-owned assets. The Council may refuse a proposal where it considers that the visual, environmental or place impacts are unacceptable.
The report stated that: “Supporting the rollout of 5G has the potential to deliver significant economic benefits at both national and local levels.
“Enabling Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to use Council-owned assets, such as street lighting columns and bridges and even potentially rural sites such as County Farms, could encourage commercial investment in rolling out 5G.”
It’s estimated that the deployment of 5G could generate an additional £15 billion to £22 billion in Devon’s economy by 2035.
A number of important applications of 5G were highlighted, including the use of technology for care workers, supporting independence and helping people remain living in their homes. Farmers and growers can benefit through real time monitoring of soil conditions and livestock. A 5G trial in Dorset showed potential yield increases of up to 200% using 5G enabled precision farming methods.
Improved mobile connectivity can enhance visitor experiences in the county through improved digital transactions. This is vital for Devon’s tourism industry which contributes £2.3 billion to the local economy every year.
It can also support the growth of microbusinesses in remote areas, strengthening Devon’s appeal to digital and location-independent businesses.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has carried out extensive research as the technology has rolled out across the UK. Its latest research has confirmed its existing advice that there are no adverse health effects from exposure to radio waves from 5G Base Stations, which are well below the guidelines set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).
The report detailed national planning policy framework, which enables telecoms operators to undertake some work without full planning permission. There are permitted development rights for small cell technology, subject to limits on size, height and power consumption.
If we attempted to restrict or prevent the use of our assets for the deployment of 5G infrastructure it could be subject to challenge by mobile network operators, as this would be inconsistent with national policy and the Electronic Communications Code.