10 minute read
The phone mast predicament
In March 2020, almost overnight, the pandemic forced an unfounded level of uncertainty into all of our lives. This instigated the circulation of conspiracy theories, causing some to think that 5G masts had the potential to spread the virus. According to a survey conducted by the Commission for Countering Terrorism, approximately 37% of respondents[1] were aware of this theory, and one third thought it was credible.[2] This sparked a dramatic increase in criminal behaviour toward 5G mast sites, and they quickly became vulnerable to vandalism and arson attacks. Shockingly, in April 2020 alone, 50 masts were targeted,[3] causing disruption to thousands of lives, homes, and essential services.
One example of the extreme vandalism was the April 2020 attack[4] on a 5G mast providing essential mobile connectivity to an NHS Nightingale hospital in Birmingham, disrupting its crucial
services. This was one of 20 suspected targets in one weekend. This demonstrates the urgent need to ensure these sites are properly protected.
Paramount Issue
5G masts are considered a critical infrastructure yet they’re frequently targeted by vandals due to their positioning in remote, poorly lit areas, often without robust security systems installed. The mast sites take up to 18 months to construct from scratch, and three months to repair. Therefore, it’s essential that appropriate, protective fencing and high-security systems are specified and installed to deter criminals. This will help prevent any long periods of time without coverage.
Various networks are trialling different methods and approaches to attempt to secure these masts. In 2020, Jacksons’ Fencing was appointed to secure a 5G mast site for a telecoms company in Gloucestershire.
End-to-end Solutions
Jacksons Fencing worked on this project to protect the site from unauthorised access and intruders by installing secure perimeter fencing. EuroGuard® Combi fencing, which combines steel V mesh panels with timber slats, was specified to conceal the site. This type of fencing also prevents equipment used for vandalism or arson, such as hooks or wires, from being passed through it. Using high-quality materials for each fence panel, such as zinc alloy coated mesh and pressure treated, kiln-dried timber works to protect the fencing from rust, corrosion, rotting, and insect attacks. Panels are secured to posts using unique mesh clips and anti-vandal fixings which can only be accessed from inside the site, making it far more challenging for intruders to break and enter. 5G sites are in high demand and in use around the clock. With this in mind, they require continuous maintenance and frequent upgrades. At the Gloucestershire site, double leaf gates were installed to allow enough room for the maintenance teams to gain access with their vehicles. These gates are polyester powder coated green, this provides an additional layer of protection, which shields the metal fencing from the elements, and gives it a warmer aesthetic.
Value for Money
All Jacksons Fencing products are guaranteed for 25 years, providing low lifetime cost due to a reduction in repairs and replacements later down the line. This is ideal for this industry where companies often have a responsibility to care and maintain hundreds of 5G masts and service boxes.
Peter Jackson, Jacksons’ Fencing Managing Director, comments: “It was a real privilege to be involved in this hugely important project which aimed to secure and protect this critical infrastructure.” “Hearing that these new 5G sites are becoming a target by vandals is disappointing, but I am delighted that Jacksons’ Fencing has been able to help with this issue by installing fencing and security solutions to protect the mast and those around the Gloucestershire area.” He continues: “We hope that with the security solutions we’ve implemented, people in the area, their homes, and the service industry can continue without any disruption as a result of lost connectivity. Working closely with the telecoms company’s team means the 5G mast is fit for purpose for the community now, and well into the future.”
About Jacksons Fencing
Jacksons Fencing is a family business founded in 1947 in Kent. Today, it operates from three UK locations; Ashford, Bath and Chester and employs over 240 people in the design, manufacture and installation of timber and steel fencing, gates, environmental noise barriers, bollards, automation and access control systems.
Jacksons believes that by designing and manufacturing products for a long service life and backing them with industry-leading guarantees not only offers customers lowest lifetime costs but also benefits the environment in which we live. Our experience and expertise in delivering large and complex perimeter security and access control projects has allowed us to develop bespoke solutions for our clients supported by our passion for delivering outstanding service and support.
Find out more about Jacksons Fencing’s 5G mast solutions at www.jacksons-security.co.uk/ case-studies/security-fencing-forphone-masts
Astute Electronics
Astute Electronics promises to deliver customers the best Quality, Service and Reliability. Astute is both an Electronic Components distributor and a global and UK parts supplier. The company’s highly-qualifi ed team is experienced in procurement, engineering, logistics, fi nance, program management and QA. www.astute.co.uk
SURVEILLANCE CAMERA
REMOTE NETWORK BUSINESS DATA
TRAFFIC CAMERA
REMOTE INTERACTION
Smarter visualization
Networked visualization leading to smarter decision making
A reliable networked visualization solution is indispensable to monitor, analyze, and share an ever increasing number of video and data sources all over the world. That is why Barco designed its networked visualization solution, the simplest and most fl exible way to securely distribute any information to any location. The result: faster and smarter decision-making. Barco
Barco designs and develops visualization solutions for the security market. With its own facilities for Sales & Marketing, Customer Support, R&D and Manufacturing in Europe, North America and Asia Pacifi c, Barco is active in more than 90 countries with 4,000 employees worldwide. Barco posted sales of 1.158 billion euro in 2013. www.barco.com/references
Learn more about networked visualization at www.barco.com/netviz
14090.BARCO.resize.ad.in security.netviz.indd 1 24/04/14 15:43 Bosch Security Systems
Offer an extensive portfolio of innovative, high-quality, ergonomic products and systems for security, safety and communication. Our product range includes video surveillance systems with state-of-the-art IP-solutions, access control systems, intrusion detection systems, fi re detection and evacuation systems, security management systems, paging and personal security systems and public address and conference solutions. www.boschsecuritysystems.com
Dallmeier One of the world leading providers of products for network-based video surveillance solutions, already has more than 30 years experience in the development and manufacture of high quality components and complete solutions for the CCTV/IP sector. www.dallmeier-electronic.com DSX manufactures integrated solutions for the access control and security industries. Based in Dallas, DSX designs all software and hardware in house. The company motto is: ‘Integrated Solutions and real world applications are what we do best.’ DSX products are sold worldwide through a network of factory-trained dealers. Dealers are located in the US, Canada, Mexico, Latin and South America, Europe, Middle East, Australia and the Pacifi c Rim, and Nigeria amongst others. www.dsxinc.com
Falken At Falken, we are a fully licensed, registered, and insured professional service, equipment, manufacturing and retail supply fi rm. Founded and staffed by former law enforcement offi cers and retired military personnel, we have grown to become a trusted and secure global provider. www.falken.us
FLIR
FLIR Systems, Inc. is the global leader in Infrared cameras, night vision and thermal imaging systems. Our products play pivotal roles in a wide range of industrial, commercial and government activities in more than 60 countries. www.fl ir.com
Hitachi
Hitachi’s 3D LiDAR “Time-of-Flight” (TOF) sensor adds an enhanced layer of security / marketing data to existing systems using advanced infrared motion technology. Hide.Hayashi@hitachi-eu.com
06.02.2012 11:05:55
Honeywell Security Group
delivers the newest innovations, technologies and products. Honeywell is driven to maintain its position as an innovator and leading manufacturer, and invests continuously in R&D. Each of the product ranges regularly delivers new features and technological advancements, while maintaining a familiar user interface and backwards compatibility for ease of installation. Honeywell is a world leading security business. www.security.honeywell.com Paxton Access Ltd is a leading
manufacturer of electronic access control systems. From its inception Paxton has aimed for engineering excellence. This means designing and manufacturing intelligent and innovative products that are fi t for their purpose. We have become a market leader through our constant efforts to exceed the expectations of installers and system users. www.paxton.co.uk
Keytracker Ltd
Secure Storage & Management for all Keys & Equipment Mechanical & electronic tracking to suit all budgets & applications, low spec to high tech – the world’s largest range of tracking systems for keys & equipment. Keytracker Ltd, Keyper House, Unit 3, Station Road, Rowley Regis, West Midlands, B65 0JY sales@keytracker.co.uk www.keytracker.com Samsung Security
Samsung Techwin is one of the fastest growing professional security brands in Europe. Providing a complete range of security solutions that are suitable for a wide range of applications, the company is dedicated to developing technology and products that its clients demand. www.samsungsecurity.com
The leading global M2M managed services provider
It’s good to be well connected.Dual vision, Real time.
ULISSE COMPACT THERMAL
Keysure
The positioning unit off ers an integrated KEYSURE’s patented Key Control solution for total darkness, fog, rain or smoke. container is a pilfer proof, tamper evident key safe. This is the only non-electronic security device that will control and audit the use of a key, password or any other content. Once an item is secured inside the Key Control, it must be physically broken to access the contents. www.keysure.net
CCTV PRODUCTS www.videotec.com Your M2M solution is more than just data connectivity. We understand that.
So we not only built the world’s most advanced global M2M platform, we also built our business upon the most important connections of all – our relationships with our partners, carriers and customers.
That’s why Wyless is the trusted M2M partner of Fortune 500 companies and startups alike. We’re the easiest company to work with. We listen to our customers and take pride in every connection.
Wyless offers truly uncompromising M2M solutions, delivering worldwide wireless connectivity via the most secure and resilient network infrastructure. We provide unrivaled management tools and empower you with end-to-end managed services, technical expertise and dedicated support.
So connect with the experts and together we’ll take your applications to the next level. You have found your true M2M partner.
We can’t wait to discuss the possibilities.
Videotec Dual vision, Real time. Videotec manufactures in-house a wide range of CCTV products ULISSE COMPACT THERMAL recognized for high performances, The positioning unit off ers an integrated solution for total darkness, fog, rain or smoke. fl exibility and style. Our mission to lead the fi eld in the development of robust, reliable and high performances mechanical and electronic products for surveillance applications is the driving force behind our success. www.videotec.com
CCTV PRODUCTS www.videotec.com
Luminite
Luminite have been designing and manufacturing PIR detection systems for 35 years and have extensive expertise in the security market. Their fl agship Genesis wireless security range provides rapid, fl exible and robust solutions to minimise installation costs and maximise profi ts.
www.luminite.co.uk Wyless Systems
Our award-winning M2M platform, delivered in partnership with the world’s largest mobile network operators, provides secure, reliable wireless connectivity to mobile and fi xed devices in nearly every country in the world. Our unique products and services help our customers deploy robust, scalable and secure M2M applications. +1 617 949 8900 +44 1895 454 699 info@wyless.com www.wyless.com www.wyless.com
The leading global M2M managed services provider
Stop unwanted activity in its tracks.
Audio for security
By adding audio to your surveillance system, you can either trigger a prerecorded message with analytics in the camera or speak live to the scene. Adding spoken response takes you from passive surveillance to active deterrence.
Axis offers complete, high-quality network audio systems that are not only perfect for security purposes but also for public address and background music in schools, stores and other settings. In our portfolio you find speakers, microphones, amplifier, audio bridge and audio management software. They all let you enjoy the many benefits of network audio.
Learn more about our network audio systems at www.axis.com/products/audio
