Plans for Irvine to receive new 5G coverage have been revised after an application to replace antenna equipment was given the green light last year.

Mobile providers EE and Hutchinson are upgrading sites across the UK to make them 5G, with plans for a new 10m high mast on top of Bridgegate House approved subject to conditions.

A new revised application was submitted this month and validated last week, with EE confirming the updated plans are to facilitate a quicker deployment of equipment to bring 5G to the area, after the earlier plans were approved.

This comes as police investigate damage to masts across the UK – including Ayr – with fires linked to conspiracy claims blaming 5G for coronavirus.

Police launched a probe last month after a 4G phone mast was set on fire on at Fulshaw Wood Farm, near Whitletts roundabout causing £50,000 worth of damage.

5G is the next generation of wireless mobile connections, following on from 4G networks currently used.

While there is no official speed standard experts expect it to be 10 times faster than 4G and potentially faster than home fibre broadband.

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