South Yorkshire bin lorries to map mobile coverage as part of £34,000 project
It's hoped it will help identify 'not spots' across the area
South Yorkshire bin lorries are to be used to map mobile phone coverage across the region, as part of a project to identify 'not spots'.
£34,000 is being spent on the pilot by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, with the data being collected over a 12 month period.
Eventually it will allow residents to check the level of mobile coverage on a map, allowing them to make an informed choice as to which supplier to go with.
Bin lorries will be fitted with monitoring devices by analytics specialists Streetwave, with real-time data being collected on signal strength as well as upload and download speeds.
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “Digital connectivity isn’t a luxury – it's a necessity. Whether it’s accessing public services, running a business or just staying in touch with friends and family.
“Too many people in South Yorkshire are still stuck in mobile ‘not spots’ where coverage is patchy or non-existent.
“That’s why it’s important this project is giving us the data we need to change. To make sure everyone in South Yorkshire can get the signal they need, wherever they live.”