Ban phone masts, use satellites

The proposed obligation to deliver mobile coverage to 95 per cent of the UK land mass by the end of 2022 (News, Issue 529, page 7) demonstrates the mental paucity of public policy planning permitted by politicians.

It would be more appropriate to abolish planning consent for phone masts for all but emergency local services. There should also be a requirement for all public mobile communications to be made via satellite for the European land mass. It is already common practice for transport company vehicles to function by satellite for their dashcams.

The objection that it’s too expensive is irrelevant. The private sector’s ability to cough up can be easier when there is recognition of government strength to squeeze where it gets results. Perhaps a start could be made by passing the hat round yacht owners in Monaco Harbour, where finance for magnificent projects is well understood. All credit to the Country Land and Business Association last April for opening up the discussion from the point of view of their own membership.

I understand advice should be available from sources in China, where digital technology has enabled villages with geographical features far more extreme than in Europe to communicate on a civilised basis for the first time ever.

Peter Collinson