Plans to replace Stockton phone boxes with 'street hubs' offering WiFi

BT has applied for planning permission to install the two hubs on Oxbridge Lane and Yarm Lane in Stockton. It proposes to remove two public phone boxes to make way for the new hubs.

It says the “new and improved unit – the Street Hub” is a step forward from older units previously installed in 23 cities. The new hubs have improved WiFi range, with “access to contact emergency services, phone charging ability and connection to WiFi with no charge that are accessible for all members of the community”, says agent Telent Technology Services in a planning statement.

It says the “free-to-use, fully accessible community assets” provide communities with “an unprecedented suite of essential urban tools at no costs to taxpayers or end users”, These include ultra-fast public and encrypted WiFi powered by renewable carbon-free energy, free phone calls, a tablet interface, a “sound cloud” speaker and mic system, and the ability to house sensors for air quality and traffic.

“State-of-the-art” HD screens on both sides of the free-standing structures will display advertising, council and community content, dimmed at night. Sponsorship will pay for maintenance and servicing, including weekly inspections, at least fortnightly cleaning and 24-hour monitoring.

“When installed, residents, local businesses and visitors will get a faster, more reliable connection for calls and internet access,” says Telent. “BT are continuing to push public connectivity forward with the move to Street Hubs – a sleek, modern answer to the demands of a digitally connected, converged-media society.

“BT have made great progress so far, with over 950 Street Hub units live across the UK. Local authorities across the country use Streets Hubs to meet key challenges head-on such as upgrading local infrastructure, tackling the digital divide, and freeing the high street from unnecessary furniture.

“With Street Hubs, BT are further transforming the payphone estate by making streets smarter, with ultrafast WiFi, public messaging, and better mobile connectivity. We are making them safer with ready emergency services. Furthermore, BT are making them more sustainable, with sensors allowing for ‘smart city’ planning and reduced street clutter.

The applications says the “run-down” phone boxes on Oxbridge Lane and Yarm Lane will be removed to make way for the smaller, slimmer street hub a short distance away, “decluttering” the footpath. The statement continues: “It should be noted that these proposals for the installation of a total of two Street Hubs will see with it the removal of existing, outdated and worn-down BT payphones, at no extra cost to the council.”

It says the new hub of “high-quality design” will improve the street and “replace and upgrade the existing kiosk” with an “advanced, modern development”. It adds: “BT Street Hubs have the potential to significantly enhance the provision of local community communications facilities and services.

“It will deliver social, economic, and environmental benefits by providing a suite of essential urban tools/services, including free ultrafast WiFi to residents, businesses and visitors in this area. Overall BT Street Hubs will help future-proof the high street, making them smarter, safer, and more sustainable through their adaptable design and function.”