Seven 5G masts proposed as Milton Keynes sets up to become testbed for new technology

Milton Keynes Council is leading a consortium – including Chinese technology giant Huawei – BT, the Open University, and City Fibre, to create the network.

Seven applications have been lodged with MK Council’s own planning department for officers to consider access to the sites across the city.

The MK:5G – Connecting Communities project is understood to be a first for a city and will allow the experts to test the potential for using the technology for a range of uses.

Funding for the £8.7m project is coming mainly from Government quango, the South East Midland Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) (£5.3 m), and £3.4 m from the project partners.

The council anticipates the masts will be in place within months.

The proposed sites are:

MK-1 MK Station. 15.4 m mast between Midsummer Boulevard and the path from the Elder Gate car park.

MK-2 MK Centre. 22.4 m mast, near to electricity sub-station, on a verge off Portway.

MK-3 Blakelands. 17.4m mast close to the Pagoda Roundabout, in front of the treeline between Portway and the temple.

MK-4 Chaffron Way. 12.4 m mast at verge on Tongwell Street adjacent to allotment gardens on the approach to Monkston roundabout

MK-5 Hospital. 22.4 m mast at Waterside, Peartree Bridge, on Woodley Headland adjacent to a car park in Milton Keynes Marina.

MK-6 Stadium. 15.4m mast outside MacDonald’s off V7 Saxon Street by the west entrance to the stadium car park.

MK-7 Magna Park. 21.4m mast adjacent to Crossley/Newport Road roundabout, in Chippenham Drive, Kingston.

Documents on the planning website say that the network will be owned and operated by Milton Keynes Council, which has a special OFCOM licence.

“Central government, through the Department for Media, Culture and Sport are supporting our work and will be key advisers to the project,” say the project documents.

One of the big benefits of 5G is seen in helping the city’s transport network, by using data to help people move around the city.

But there are also thought to be benefits for health services, and reducing energy costs.

And once all the masts are up the whole system can be expanded, the documents reveal.

The applications are open for public comment on the council’s planning website.