Govt: build taller phone masts to boost rural signals

Bigger and taller phone masts could be built after the Government said it plans to scrap planning restrictions in a bid to boost signals in rural areas, and make 5G more widely available.

Currently, masts on public land must be no taller than 25 metres (82 feet) high, but Digital Secretary Nicky Morgan said she wants to relax these rules. She also said masts could be built over 20 metres (65 feet) on land “protected” for environmental, historical or cultural value.

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, she said that allowing taller and wider masts that can handle more

signalling equipment should mean there’s no need to blanket the countryside with thousands of new ones.

She acknowledged that the masts could be deemed “eyesores” in beauty spots, but argued that this should be balanced against the opportunity to provide a decent signal throughout the country.

The Government has also backed a plan by phone networks to improve coverage by building masts they would all share. This would let phone users switch between networks to find a strong signal.

Rural campaigners welcomed the proposals. Tim Bonner, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, said that “most people” will understand that taller masts are needed “to deal with a fundamental problem that puts rural communities at a disadvantage”.

What’s more important - stronger phone signals or protecting rural views? Let us know: letters@computeractive.co.uk