Work to tackle poor mobile reception in Chichester city centre is due to start on Monday 21 September, councils have said, as West Sussex County Council and Chichester District Council move ahead with plans to install new shared infrastructure across the heart of the city.
What is being installed and where
The scheme will provide the physical infrastructure for mobile network operators to improve services on several principal shopping streets. The authorities named North Street, South Street, East Street, West Street and Tower Street as priority locations for the work. Installation will be carried out in phases over the coming months.
| Location | Detail |
|---|---|
| North Street | Included in phased rollout |
| South Street | Included in phased rollout |
| East Street | Included in phased rollout |
| West Street | Included in phased rollout |
| Tower Street | Included in phased rollout |
Shared infrastructure to reduce street clutter
Councils say the equipment is being installed so it can be shared by all mobile network operators. The intention is to avoid the need for multiple separate columns and masts in future, and to minimise visual impact in the city’s historic environment by siting equipment discreetly and away from areas of high footfall.
- The scheme is a joint project by West Sussex County Council and Chichester District Council.
- Work starts on Monday 21 September and will be carried out in phases over the coming months.
- Infrastructure is designed to be shared by multiple network operators and to limit visual intrusion.
“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,”
The comment, from Councillor Yvonne Gravely, West Sussex County Council cabinet member for economy and skills, emphasised that the councils had listened to feedback from businesses, residents and visitors about weak and unreliable coverage in the city centre.
Local impact and practical considerations
For traders and people who rely on mobile connectivity for payments, logistics or customer contact, an improvement in signal could ease everyday operations and reduce frustration. Visitors and residents who reported intermittent service will also hope the upgrade brings more reliable voice and data coverage.
The councils have stressed that visual impact has been a design consideration. Equipment is due to be installed discreetly and positioned away from the busiest pedestrian areas to avoid undermining Chichester’s historic character.
While the councils can provide the infrastructure that network operators need, the work does not itself switch on improved coverage. Individual mobile network companies will still be responsible for installing their active equipment on the new infrastructure and for rolling out enhanced service to customers.
Residents and businesses in the affected streets should expect phased works over a period of months, with councils coordinating to manage any disruption. No detailed timetable for each street’s active service upgrade has been published beyond the phased approach announced.
The project forms part of a wider pattern of local authorities enabling digital infrastructure through shared installations, a model councils say reduces duplication and the visual impact of telecoms equipment in historic urban centres.
Further details on any temporary access restrictions or works notices are likely to be published by the councils as contractors mobilise on site.
