Plans for 'street hubs' replacing run-down phone boxes in Stockton

Proposals to replace two old phone boxes with "street hubs" offering public WiFi and free calls are being considered by Stockton Council . BT has applied for planning permission to install the two hubs on Oxbridge Lane and Yarm Lane in Stockton .

It proposes to remove two public phone boxes to make way for the new hubs. It says the "new and improved unit - the Street Hub" is a step forward from older units previously installed in 23 cities. The new hubs have improved WiFi range, with "access to contact emergency services, phone charging ability and connection to WiFi with no charge that are accessible for all members of the community", says agent Telent Technology Services in a planning statement.

It says the "free-to-use, fully accessible community assets" provide communities wi