Plans For A 5G Mast On New Road Rainham.

Local Democracy Reporter Sebastian Mann writes:

Plans have been put forward for a new 5G mast in Havering, with a view to boosting mobile signal in the south of the borough.

The 20-metre phone mast would be planted in New Road in Beam Park, a largely residential area surrounded by industrial shops.

Plans for the tower were submitted to Havering Council in late April by Mobile Broadband Network Ltd (MBNL), which is composed of broadband providers EE and 3.

5G, or ‘fifth generation,’ is the fastest current mobile network available to customers, with a peak speed of ten gigabits per second. It was first introduced in 2019.

London’s 5G coverage was ranked the worst in Europe in 2024 by internet quality surveyors MedUX. Berlin came out on top.

MBNL says the monopole, sited next to Centurion Works, will improve cellular connectivity and download speeds. It forms part of a nationwide scheme to bolster phone service, with 93% of smartphones capable of connecting to 5G.

Like many others across the capital, it will feature nine antennae and two transmission dishes, as well as equipment cabinets.

Though no formal objections have been lodged against the Beam Park plans, similar schemes have been attacked by residents.

Residents in Bromley, in south London, attacked proposals for a 22-metre high 5G mast that were submitted in January.

They said the proximity of the monopole to their homes “raises serious concerns regarding the potential long-term health effects associated with continuous exposure to electromagnetic radiation, mainly for children”.

Others pointed to the World Health Organization’s classification of certain radiofrequencies as “possibly carcinogenic to humans”.

As part of its submission to Havering Council, MBNL says the mast will adhere to stringent regulations, drafted by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, which aim to limit public exposure to emissions.

The town hall will make a decision on the plans by 22nd June.

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