PLANS have been submitted for a 5G mast outside a Sainsbury's store in Southampton.

Network Three have asked for planning permission to install telecommunications equipment including a 15m high monopole supporting six antennas and two transmission dishes and four equipment cabinets to facilitate 5G network.

If approved, the work would take place outside the Sainsbury's Local store in Hill Lane.

In documents submitted as part of the application, Three say they're increasing connectivity across the UK 'at no extra cost to customers'.

They're also supercharging their 4G coverage.

As part of the statement, they address "baseless" health concerns and links between Covid and 5G.

"Government have been clear that any link between 5G and Covid-19 is "baseless" and is working with social media companies to get such content removed."

They added: "PHE has clearly said that 5G does not represent an increase in any risk “the overall exposure is expected to remain low relative to guidelines and, as such, there should be no consequences for public health”.

They also explained why the masts need to be bigger to enable 5G in areas.

"Ground-based and building-based masts may need to be stronger and increased in diameter – the 5G kit is additional and heavy.

"Taller and new masts are needed – 5G signals are shorter, do not travel as far and need to transmit over and down to users, rather than through buildings etc."