New OpenDigital project launched to improve mobile signals in Chichester
The West Sussex County Council (WSCC) in England has today begun the first infrastructure deployments under their new OpenDigital project, which aims to improve mobile network (4G, 5G signals etc.) coverage in Chichester city centre. The move comes after local residents and business owners complained about “weak and unreliable network coverage” in the area.
The work, which is being supported by several unspecified technology providers and the Chichester District Council (CDC), is expected to be carried out in phases over the “coming months“. This is being coordinated with other city centre improvement works to help minimise disruption wherever possible.
The project involves laying some new underground fibre optic cables and ducts for data capacity, installing five “heritage-style street columns” (this usually means lamp posts) and locating supporting equipment in “carefully selected locations“. All of this seems to be focused on the areas of North Street, South Street, East Street, West Street and Tower Street.
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Mobile network operators will then be able to use this infrastructure to improve existing services and provide better coverage in areas where signals can currently be unreliable. We assume this may mean the deployment of several neutral host style Small Cells (mini base stations), but it’s unclear.
Planned works programme
| Phase | Location | Activity | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | North Street, East Street, South Street, West Street and Tower Street | GPR site surveys | 14 September – 20 September |
| Phase 2 | Tower Street | Street work | 21 September – 10 October |
| Phase 3 | East Street | Street work | 28 September – 18 October |
| Phase 4 | North Street | Street work | 5 October – 1 November |
| Phase 5 | West Street (west end) | Street work | 19 October – 15 November |
| Phase 6 | West Street (east end) | Street work | 2 November – 29 November |
| Phase 7 | South Street | Street work | 16 November – 13 December |
Cllr Yvonne Gravely said:
“Let’s be honest, poor mobile signal in Chichester city centre is something many people experience, and we know how frustrating that can be.
Whether you’re running a business, making a payment, finding your way around the city or simply trying to stay in touch with family and friends, reliable mobile coverage has become an essential part of everyday life. We have heard and listened to these concerns and believe this project, in partnership with Chichester District Council will improve the situation.”
The work seems mostly intended to benefit people and businesses around the busiest shopping areas, which is where Small Cells can be very useful as they usually only cover a radius of around 100-200 metres.
Mark is a professional technology writer, IT consultant and computer engineer from Dorset (England), he also founded ISPreview in 1999 and enjoys analysing the latest telecoms and broadband developments. Find me on X (Twitter), Mastodon, Facebook, BlueSky, Threads.net and Linkedin.
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This has always been a self inflicted problem by the NIMBY residents of Chichester. Constantly fighting not to have mobile masks and now they complain the coverage if poor. And it really is poor.