Why it's 'exciting times' for internet connections in Coventry

Coventry will be at the forefront of digital technology thanks to improvements to the city’s internet, a leading councillor has said.

Last September, it was announced that Coventry has been selected as the UK’s first 5G area for 2020, backed by £150 million investment.

Phase one of CityFibre – a £60 million scheme with Vodafone to bring gigabit-speed internet – has also been completed this month, with final completion set for 2021.

On top of that, OpenReach expect to complete its FibreFirst project by 2021, where fibre optic cables are laid from the exchange right to people’s front doors.

Speaking at a Business, Economy and Enterprise Scrutiny Board on March 21, cabinet member for jobs and regeneration Councillor Jim O’Boyle said: “It lays out how Coventry is at the forefront and evolving technology.

“Coventry has gone from being a city that was recognised as a manufacturing city and that is now changing and evolving.”

Paul Ward, head of ICT and digital, said access to the CityFibre will be exclusive to Vodafone customers initially, but become “open access” to all by the end of 2021.

Watch: How to check your broadband speed

But 5G signals will only reach across 200m, he said, meaning repeaters will be needed.

Cllr Rachel Lancaster raised questions over the impact of longer Wi-Fi exposure on health.

Public Health has found “no convincing evidence” it would harm health, she was told, with Cllr O’Boyle assuring her “appropriate action” would be taken if evidence did come forward.

Free Wi-Fi across the city was extended on Friday, March 22.

Access to free Wi-Fi is already in parts of the city centre but is being extended into Market Way and the Burges areas, with discussions to extend onto Coventry University’s campus.

Chair Cllr John McNicholas said: “I think we are at very exciting times here.

“A city needs to be digitally aware. Coventry is at the centre of the country and also digitally. That has got to be good and will attract a lot of industry.”

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