by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
A Street Hub device has been approved for a site next to Dorchester South rail station.
The BT device will offer public internet and phone connectivity, charging, emergency calls and an advertising display.
Two of the devices are currently being proposed for Weymouth town centre – one of which has led to objections claiming that it will look out of place on the seafront.
The Dorchester hub has been approved for a pavement site next to the town’s South rail station in Copper Street.
The company say the hub will offer free 1Gbps public Wi-Fi, with connected devices able to use the hub to make free UK calls, also offering USB charging and an emergency call button, as well as the ability to display public information alongside advertising.
Said the application to Dorset Council, submitted by Mitie on behalf of BT: “High Definition displays on the sides are used to carry advertising, which helped to fund the units, but the screens can also show local content free of charge.
“Overall, Street Hubs will help future-proof the high street making them smarter, safer, and more sustainable. Investment in the high street is at an all-time low, but that has not slowed BT down as they look to ramp up their rollout of new Street Hubs across the UK. They are continuing their commitment to invest and improve in the high street, with one Street Hub at a time.”
The device will be 1.67metres tall and almost 1 metre across, with the displays internally lit with a toughened laminated 75-inch LCD digital glass screens.
