Bin wagons help clean up signal blackspots

A Tees Valley-based tech initiative is using bin wagons to tackle patchy mobile signal across the region.

Digital mapping firm Inakalum is working with five local authorities to gather real-time mobile signal data via smartphones mounted in refuse trucks. 

As lorries travel their usual routes through the boroughs of Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland and Stockton-on-Tees, they capture accurate performance readings from all four major networks.

Funded with £32,490 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, officials say the data will support a new Tees Valley Mobile Coverage Checker – helping residents and businesses see where coverage is strong or lacking.

They add the information will also guide future upgrades and investment by highlighting known blackspots to network operators.

Councillor Steve Harker, leader of Darlington Borough Council and cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, added: “We’re using our bin wagons to sort more than just our rubbish – we’re sorting rubbish signal out too. 

“This smart solution means we’ll finally get real answers about where coverage works and where it doesn’t.”

Councillor Lisa Evans, leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, added: “Good mobile coverage is a necessity for work, travel and daily life, but many people still struggle with poor signal and slow data speeds.

“We’re happy to support this initiative to assess mobile coverage down to street address level that will help identify areas that need better coverage, across our borough and the wider region.”

The project follows the lead of similar programmes being rolled out in Liverpool City Region and could expand to other vehicles or on-foot surveys, especially in rural or event-heavy areas.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen added: “If we want to build on our potential as a digital powerhouse, we need to make sure everyone is properly connected.”

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