12-metre communication poles could be installed at six spots between Stowmarket, Eye and Diss to collect data on water usage

Plans to put up six 12m communication poles across Suffolk have been submitted to strengthen the connection between homes and the area’s water company.

The plans were submitted to Mid Suffolk District Council by Hull-based firm Connexin and would see the poles installed in the following locations near Stowmarket, Eye and Diss:

- The Street, Stoke Ash

- Cross Street, Hoxne

- Station Road, Bacton

- Crossing Road, Palgrave

- Laxfield Road, Stradbroke

- Back Street, Gislingham

The poles will allow LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) Gateway equipment to be installed which will transmit data from smart water meters to providers.

Each of the proposals show sites which are near homes to help build the strongest connection for the new network of devices.

The devices are solar powered and each telegraph pole would include a solar panel.