Innovative West Midlands scheme to tackle poor internet

Worcestershire County Council has found an unlikely ally in the form of local bin lorries to help battle the growing concern of poor internet connectivity in the region.

The waste collection vehicles are helping out with Britain’s biggest project to tackle mobile connectivity issues to date. The scheme aims to see the lorries temporarily equipped with cutting-edge technology designed to gather and monitor data regarding street-level connectivity across Worcestershire.

As part of the new programme and to help the council get a wider view of the issue throughout the area, a local survey is also inviting residents and enterprises to log times and locations where they experience poor connectivity.

Minister for economy and skills at Worcestershire County Council, Adam Kent, underlined the importance of the scheme, stating:

“We know that issues with mobile connectivity have a huge impact on businesses, people and communities. I hear from many people around the county that the mobile signal in certain areas is worse than it was 12 months ago.”

The cabinet member added that it was now a priority for Worcestershire council to understand where the issue was occurring and why, and the action needed to resolve the current situation, urging businesses and residents to complete the online survey.

The waste collection vehicle data collection plan is funded by the River Severn Partnership Advanced Wireless Innovation Region, which was awarded government funding of £3.75 million to support wireless technology and innovation growth in the area.