Phone firms fight to erect 500,000 masts

MOBILE operators are calling for major reforms to Britain’s planning system so they can erect 500,000 masts for their new super-fast 5G network.

The bosses of Three, EE and O2 say a rapid increase in the number of transmitters across the country is needed for a proposed 5G mobile network to be in place by 2020.

The technology, which is still being tested, will mean data can be transferred wirelessly at dramatically faster speeds than existing 3G and 4G networks.

It is seen as a vital step as more devices connect to the so- called ‘internet of things’, placing more demand on existing airwaves. It could be potentially used by driverless cars, home appliances and infrastructure such as traffic lights.

But the frequency used by 5G means more signal masts will be needed, and mobile companies insist planning applications take too long and could make installing them an impossible task.

One said the system was ‘a nightmare’, while another warned Britain was at risk of falling behind other countries.

It comes after the Government said it wanted the UK to become a global leader in the field.

Speaking as his company unveiled its latest results, Three chief executive Dave Dyson said the number of smaller antennas needed – those which can be fixed to buildings, lamp posts and signs – could be as high as 500,000.

He added: ‘It is a significant step change from where we are today ... the industry in the UK is at risk of lagging behind.’ Mark Evans, boss of Telefonica UK, which trades as O2, added: ‘It’s essential our investment in digital infrastructure is not thwarted by analogue planning practices.’

Plans for phone masts often face opposition from those living nearby because of their appearance, but industry figures argue they are becoming as important as utilities such as water and must be given a higher priority.

Mobile operators believe changes could be brought forward quickly but these would likely face strong opposition from councils, which are responsible for approving mast applications.

Martin Tett, the Local Government Association’s environment spokesman, said yesterday: ‘Plan- ning controls exist to give people the power over developments that impact on their quality of life, and they should be respected.’

He said about 90pc of applications for masts were approved.

The Government is due to set out possible changes it could make to the planning system to help the rollout of 5G before the end of the year.