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As mobile operators step up efforts to roll out 5G networks, they face resistance from local groups convinced that the new technology poses a threat to health. In the city of Bath, in Somerset, one such group is celebrating a victory after the local council refused permission for a 5G mast - with the backing of the local MP.
It s a decision which has sparked dismay not just from the mobile industry but from the minister who has been urging councils to smooth the way for the rollout. Digital Minister Matt Warman said that while he could not comment on a particular planning case, there is no credible scientific basis that 5G has an adverse impact on people s health .
More than half of Northern Ireland homes can now access gigabit-speed broadband, according to a new report.
It means NI has the highest coverage of the faster, more reliable connection than any other nation, according to Ofcom s annual Connected Nations report.
The watchdog analysed the availability of broadband and mobile services across the UK.
Gigabit-capable broadband offers download speeds of up to 1 Gbit/s, much faster than the UK s current average broadband speed of 72 Mbit/s.
More than half of Northern Ireland homes (56%) - 422,000 - can get gigabit broadband making it the highest availability of these faster services, compared to 42% of Scottish homes, 25% in England and 19% in Wales.
| 18 December 2020
UK broadcasting regulator Ofcom has released this year’s Connected Nations report, which looks at how networks handled a unique and extra demanding year, as the UK continues to address the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.
It notes that the UK’s fixed and mobile networks have generally coped well with increased demands during the pandemic. A shift to more people being at home drove increased demand on broadband networks during the day, although peak usage remained in the evening. Mobile networks also experienced increases in voice traffic.
In terms of connectivity, the report says that gigabit-capable broadband is available to 7.9 million homes (27%). As well as delivering download speeds of up to 1 Gbit/s, these services offer faster upload speeds and are more reliable than older broadband technologies.
Ultrafast broadband roll out accelerating across UK RealWire
Upgrading internet speeds for Openreach will create 250 jobs
Warwick, U.K, 18 December 2020 – Homes and businesses across the country are to benefit from accelerated roll out of ultrafast broadband services, as new fibre connections begin to be installed from January next year. UK critical infrastructure firm Telent will be installing the ultrafast, ultrareliable ‘full fibre’ connections on behalf of Openreach and is looking for an array of reliable and dedicated people to help build this new network.
Installing broadband networks requires a range of different skills and several new roles are being created. There are currently roles available for telecoms engineers, project and delivery managers and field surveyors with training available for anyone looking to join one of the UK’s fastest growing companies in a dynamic and rewarding industry.