PEOPLE in Hereford could soon have faster internet speeds with 5G on their mobile devices, if plans for three phone masts are approved.

Mobile phone provider EE has applied for planning permission to relocate three existing antennas and install three new ones, as well as a new access ladder and handrail, on the roof of a building in Broad Street.

A design and access statement submitted to Herefordshire Council said the site is on the roof of The Green Dragon Hotel, a four-storey Grade II-listed building.

The building has had telecommunications equipment on it for around 15 years, with access from Broad Street and Aubrey Street, it said.

"The proposed equipment is for multiple operators (EE and H3G), who require to provide improved coverage to existing and new customers," the statement added.

"The tower would continue to provide 2G, 3G and 4G coverage for customers within this area providing them with mobile, voice, test and data services, as well as providing additional 5G coverage.

"In terms of the operational considerations for 5G, on rooftop locations in particular the 5G antennas will need to be much closer to the building edge to avoid shadowing and antenna 'clipping' (an important operational factor) off the edge of the buildings and to allow the smart "tracking" features of the antennas."

Justifying its plans, consultants working on the scheme for EE said the current installation was no longer providing "adequate servies to EE customers within the target coverage area".

"As part of their UK upgrading programme, EE now proposes to upgrade coverage in this area to its 2G, 3G and 4G services, as well as upgrade to 5G as and when required."

There is currently no 5G service in Hereford, which is described by EE as the next generation of mobile technology – proceeded by 2G, 3G and 4G.

Some researchers believe that in real-world conditions, 5G could deliver browsing and download speeds 10 to 20 times faster than the 4G network.

Although some concerns over the safety of 5G have been raised in the past, it is considered safe.

Consultation on the plan ends on Thursday, June 24, with council planners setting Tuesday, July 13 as a target date for a decision.