Sir John has been contacted by Connexin regarding plans to roll out new digital infrastructure across the Maldon district in partnership with Essex County Council. The project is intended to support future smart services and help communities operate more smoothly and sustainably.
As part of the programme, a new wireless LoRaWAN® network will be installed, using small gateways placed on existing infrastructure such as streetlights wherever possible. These devices will securely collect data from sensors monitoring areas including air quality, lighting and public assets. Around 67 gateways are planned across wards including Althorne, Asheldham, Burnham-on-Crouch, Cold Norton, Danbury, Galleywood, Goldhanger, Great Baddow, Heybridge, Latchingdon, Little Baddow, Maldon, Mayland, Purleigh, Sandon, South Woodham Ferrers, Southminster, Tillingham, Tollesbury and Tolleshunt D’Arcy.
In some locations, Connexin will invite residents to host a gateway at home as part of its Build Together initiative. This approach reduces the need for additional telegraph poles and helps extend network coverage. Participating households would receive £250 per year, with installation and maintenance managed by Connexin.
Residents in targeted areas will be contacted directly. Connexin has also provided routes for people to ask questions or raise concerns through its Help Centre and Build Enquiries form.
Sir John said the rollout has the potential to strengthen digital infrastructure locally and support the long-term development of smarter public services, while emphasising the importance of keeping residents informed and ensuring any installations are delivered responsibly and transparently.