UK Government Invests £4 Million in Smart Multi-Purpose Street Columns Across Six Towns

In a major push to advance digital connectivity and sustainable urban infrastructure, the UK government has committed £4 million in funding for trials of smart technology across six carefully selected towns and cities. Officially launched under the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology’s (DSIT) Smart Infrastructure Pilots Programme (SIPP), this initiative aims to revolutionize urban infrastructure by deploying innovative multi-purpose street columns that integrate 5G connectivity, public Wi-Fi, electric vehicle (EV) charging, and environmental monitoring.

The Smart Infrastructure Pilots Programme, backed by government and matched by local authorities and technology providers, seeks to test and trail smart city hardware that is not only vital for enhancing mobile broadband access but also pivotal in supporting the UK’s Net Zero ambitions and sustainable urban living goals.

Government Drive for Smarter Cities and Connectivity

The £4 million investment is part of the government’s broader UK Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, which envisions advanced wireless infrastructure becoming deeply embedded in the UK’s economy and society by 2030. DSIT has allocated £1.3 million directly, with the remaining £2.7 million provided by the six participating local authorities and their partners.

The programme focuses on smart multi-purpose street columns—modern street furniture that bundles multiple digital services and sensors onto single poles. This approach not only reduces the physical clutter of separate installations but also lowers infrastructure deployment costs through shared use by multiple network operators, a model known as “neutral host.”

Six Towns and Cities at the Forefront of Innovation

The six pilot locations are Cambridgeshire County Council, Oxfordshire County Council, Tees Valley Combined Authority (encompassing Newcastle and Sunderland), Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Westminster City Council, and North Ayrshire Council.

These sites were selected for their strategic importance in addressing urban connectivity gaps, readiness to innovate, and alignment with local strategic priorities. Each pilot area receives approximately £250,000 in government funding to procure, install, and manage smart infrastructure deployments tailored to local needs.

What Are Smart Multi-Purpose Street Columns?

Unlike traditional lamp posts or standalone infrastructure, smart multi-purpose street columns combine various technologies to deliver multiple functionalities at once. Key features being trialled include:

• 5G Small Cells: Miniaturized cellular base stations that enhance mobile data coverage and capacity in high-density urban areas.

• Public Wi-Fi: Providing free or subsidized internet access to residents, visitors, and businesses.

• EV Charging: On-street electric vehicle charging stations aimed at encouraging cleaner transport and addressing range anxiety.

• Environmental Sensors: Real-time monitoring of air quality, noise pollution, traffic flow, and pedestrian movement.

• Additional Capabilities: Some columns also support CCTV cameras for public safety, digital signage for community information, and adaptive street lighting to save energy.

By consolidating these services, cities can upgrade digital infrastructure more efficiently, enabling smarter public services and improving quality of life.

Objectives Behind the Programme

The core government objectives driving SIPP include:

• Expediting 5G rollout and wireless connectivity improvements nationwide.

• Reducing costs and complexity for local authorities by promoting shared infrastructure.

• Improving data collection on environmental conditions to support local climate policies.

• Constructing the backbone for smart city development across the UK.

• Facilitating wider adoption of electric vehicles through increased charging access.

• Enhancing local public services, including safer streets and better traffic management.

How the Trials Will Operate

Following a competitive application process closing in July 2023, the selected pilots began mobilizing by autumn 2023. This phase includes procurement and installation of smart columns in high footfall public areas, transport hubs, and city centres.

Trials are scheduled through March 2025, during which local authorities will collect detailed data on network performance, usage, environmental metrics, and operational challenges. The learning from these projects will help refine deployment best practices and inform plans for national scale-up.

Each pilot also aims to generate long-term value by engaging local supply chains, fostering innovation ecosystems, and identifying sustainable commercial models to support further investment.

Expected Public Benefits

Residents and local businesses within pilot areas stand to benefit from faster, more reliable mobile internet and enhanced access to free public Wi-Fi, expanding digital inclusion.

The addition of strategically located EV chargers supports the UK’s transition to cleaner transportation by addressing charging infrastructure availability and convenience.

Access to real-time environmental data—from air pollution to noise levels—empowers communities and policymakers to make more informed decisions to improve urban health and sustainability.

Improved public safety and traffic management are expected through integrated sensors and CCTV systems, making streets safer and easing congestion.

Voices on the Initiative

Minister for Data and Digital Infrastructure Sir John Whittingdale emphasized the importance of the programme: “We want towns and cities across the UK to be at the forefront of this connectivity revolution, ready to seize the opportunities it brings for local communities.”

Julian David, CEO of techUK, the trade association for the UK technology sector, welcomed the initiative, stating, “The Smart Infrastructure Pilots Programme puts wireless connectivity at the heart of local infrastructure deployment and paves the way for future innovation and economic growth.”

Looking Ahead: A Digital Infrastructure Foundation for the Future

The trials constitute a sandbox environment to understand multiple use cases and technology applications. Success will pave the way for infrastructure standardization, further investment, and an expanding portfolio of smart city services.

This initiative underlines the UK government’s commitment to integrating advanced digital infrastructure with urban sustainability and economic renewal, positioning the country as a leader in 5G and smart city technology.

For further insights and ongoing coverage of this transformative programme and more on UK technology developments, visit thetechnews.co.uk.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are smart multi-purpose street columns in the UK?

Smart multi-purpose street columns are upgraded street poles that combine 5G small cells, public Wi-Fi, EV charging, and environmental sensors to support smart city development.

2. Which UK towns and cities are trialling smart street columns?

The trials are taking place in Cambridgeshire, Oxfordshire, Tees Valley, Kingston upon Thames, Westminster, and North Ayrshire.

3. How much funding has the UK government provided for smart street column trials?

The UK government has invested £4 million, including £1.3 million from DSIT and £2.7 million from local authorities and partners.

4. What is the Smart Infrastructure Pilots Programme (SIPP)?

SIPP is a UK government programme designed to test smart city infrastructure such as 5G-enabled street columns and environmental monitoring systems.

5. What technologies do smart street columns support?

These columns support 5G connectivity, public Wi-Fi, electric vehicle charging, air quality monitoring, noise sensors, CCTV, and adaptive lighting.

6. Why is the UK testing smart street columns?

The trials aim to improve 5G coverage, expand EV charging, gather environmental data, reduce infrastructure costs, and support Net Zero goals.

7. When will the smart street column trials end?

The pilot projects are scheduled to run until March 2025, with findings used to guide future national deployment.

8. How do smart street columns help with 5G rollout?

They house 5G small cells that boost mobile capacity and coverage in busy urban areas, allowing faster and more cost-efficient rollout.

9. Will smart street columns replace existing lamp posts?

In some areas they may replace lamp posts, while in others they will be added alongside existing infrastructure depending on local needs.

10. What are the benefits of smart street columns for residents?

Residents benefit from faster mobile data, more EV charging options, cleaner air insights, safer streets, and improved digital connectivity.