Mobile mast upgrade would benefit public 4G in Lerwick
AN UPGRADE to the radio base communications station on the grounds of Lerwick Police Station could benefit the public’s 4G signal, those involved with the project have confirmed.
Early designs of the new mast went in front of Lerwick Community Council on Monday evening but members were left unsure as to who exactly would stand to benefit.
It is a project for Telefonica UK Limited, the company which runs O2.
But in a media response a representative of telecoms services company WHP Telecoms Ltd confirmed there would be public benefit.
They said the existing site currently provides mobile coverage and capacity in Lerwick.
The 4G mobile data signal in Lerwick is well known for being patchy.
However mobile infrastructure company Cornerstone is currently in the process of upgrading existing sites in the Lerwick area in order to improve service provision for Telefonica UK Limited customers, the WHP representative added.
“There is a specific requirement for a radio base station upgrade at this location to provide mobile coverage and capacity in and around this area of Lerwick whilst also providing the latest 4G technology and new service provision to the local area for Telefonica UK Limited customers,” the spokesperson continued.
“This ensures high quality indoor service provision is maintained.
“Upgrading an existing site is in accordance with planning policy and the proposed works ensure the latest service provisions can be introduced, with no need for an additional site in the area ensuring impact is minimised so far as practicable.”
They also said in terms of links to emergency services, there are “several practical reasons” as to why telecommunication radio base stations are located at police stations.
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“Firstly, the Lerwick Police Station is centrally located within the community making it an ideal location for maximising mobile coverage and signal distribution,” the spokesperson said.
“The location of the mast benefits the emergency services as it can enhance emergency communication capabilities.
“The siting of the mast at the police station ensures first responders and critical systems have strong, reliable network access allowing them to communicate instantly to co-ordinate actions during emergencies.”
The letter to Lerwick Community Council explained that mobiles can “only work with a network of base stations in place where people want to use their mobile phones or other wireless devices”.
“Without base stations, the mobile phones, and other devices we rely on simply won’t work.”
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