Searching for a signal, dropped calls and poor internet connections are on the way out in Chester as the city welcomes increased mobile capacity and coverage in the New Year.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has secured an agreement in principle for a network of small cells to be installed across the city centre by Ontix. The first provider to offer the increased mobile coverage in the City Centre will be Virgin Media O2. The Council is also talking with Vodafone, and its network is expected to follow.

Cllr Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for inclusive economy, regeneration and digital transformation said: "Residents, businesses and visitors to Chester have to spend time searching for a signal, reconnecting dropped calls, and waiting for mobile data.

"It's clear that all network operators need to improve their network capacity in Chester. 

"This is why Chester's One City Plan includes actions to improve connectivity. We all rely on good mobile signal and through the actions of the One City Plan, new infrastructure will be rolled out from early 2025 onwards to connect the City to faster and more reliable services.

"Thank you to the network operators for investing in Chester, and to the One City Plan Making Groups' 'Digital' working stream for championing this issue & working closely with the Council to make this happen."

The work involves connecting the small cell infrastructure to existing lamp posts. 

The first installations are planned to be completed by March. The installation plans have identified locations that will provide maximum capacity but with minimum disruption as the work involves lifting small sections of pavement.

Cllr Pardoe said: "Small cell technology is quicker to deploy and unobtrusive compared to alternatives. 

"It is a good fit for cities and can be used in towns and villages too, which is why I hope that the experience gained by network operators through the Chester rollout helps them to tackle mobile connectivity issues across Cheshire West." 

Smart Chester is a One City Plan priority, using the power of information and communications technology to enhance city functions, promote economic growth, improve seamless mobility and improve the quality of life for people living, working, visiting and doing business in the city. 

This is about using the power of technology and digital communications to join things up and manage connectivity more efficiently and effectively to benefit everyone.

A survey was carried out by the council working in conjunction with FarrPoint to establish Chester's digital connectivity issues. This work provided the information needed to develop an action program to enhance the current city infrastructure