Government to Research Future Phone Masts

Wednesday, May 25, 2005

GOVERNMENT TO COMMISSION RESEARCH ON FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF MOBILE PHONE MASTS

The Government is to commission research to identify the future direction of mobile phone technology and the future needs for mast developments, it was announced today.

The research will also look at the potential for increased sharing of masts. The research will consider the effectiveness of the Sitefinder database and options for its future development. The Government is currently reviewing planning arrangements for mobile phone masts

Planning Minister Yvette Cooper said:

"It is important to identify the future direction of mobile phone technology in order to inform policy development and to respond to public interest in this area."

Notes to Editors

1. Existing policy on mobile phone masts is contained in Planning Policy Guidance note 8 (PPG8 - Telecommunications), which can be found at: http://www.odpm.gov.uk/stellent/groups/odpm_planning/documents/page/odpm_plan_606918.hcsp

2. Planning Minister Keith Hill made a written statement on 9 December 2004 re-emphasising the Government's insistence that there should be proper and full consultation when decisions are made about where phone masts should be located.

3. The national Sitefinder database, set up by the Government giving details of all base stations and their emissions, is maintained by Ofcom and is available at www.sitefinder.radio.gov.uk. The database provides information on all operational, cellular radio transmitters in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Indoor sites in public places such as airports and railway stations etc are also included.

From the website of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister