Work to begin on improving city centre phone signal

Work to boost the mobile phone signal in Chichester city centre is set to begin after complaints from visitors.

West Sussex County Council said it would install infrastructure aimed at improving the signal after residents and businesses also complained that unreliable coverage was affecting them.

The first phase of works is due to begin on Monday with columns being placed away from high footfall areas to try to blend into the surroundings, the council said.

Chichester District Council leader Adrian Moss said: "This investment will help businesses across Chichester benefit from better connectivity, making it easier to adopt new technologies and take cashless payments."

The works aim to improve signal across key areas of Chichester including North Street, South Street, East Street, West Street, and Tower Street.

The council's cabinet member for economy Yvonne Gravely added: "Let's be honest, poor mobile signal in Chichester city centre is something many people experience, and we know how frustrating that can be.

"We have heard and listened to these concerns and believe this project, in partnership with Chichester District Council, will improve the situation."

A council spokesperson said the works come after complaints that signal in the city centre made it difficult for people to make phone calls, send texts, and use mobile phone apps, or for businesses to take contactless payments.

As part of the work, five street columns will be installed which network operators will then be able to install their own equipment to improve signal.

Surrounding works will also include laying more underground fibre connections to connect the new infrastructure.

Further street work is planned in phases until 13 December, when the project is scheduled to be completed.

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