Mobile UK and North Yorkshire County Council met via an innovative roundtable session to discuss options and to explore barriers to extending mobile coverage across the County.

North Yorkshire County Council has indicated that it is willing to consider making its own properties available to be used to host mobile infrastructure and also discussed possible funding options for tackling not-spots in partnership with the Local Enterprise Partnership.

The County of North Yorkshire poses particular issues for mobile operators due to its more sparsely distributed population and unique topography. Also, mobile operators were keen to raise the issue of planning at district council level and the opportunities for the County to use its influence to assist in making planning more consistent throughout the region.

Gareth Elliott, Head of Policy and Communications at Mobile UK, said:

“North Yorkshire represents a particular challenge to mobile operators due to its population spread and unique topography. Mobile UK, and its member operators welcome the opportunity to engage with North Yorkshire County Council to discuss mobile coverage and to explore ways to work together to make it easier to deploy mobile infrastructure throughout the County.”

County Councillor Don Mackenzie, Executive Member for Access, said:

“We are greatly encouraged by the support given at the meeting by the main mobile phone operators. The County Council is committed to supporting better mobile coverage, which is essential if we are to encourage business growth and attract visitors and people to live in the area.

“In addition to working with the mobile operators, we will liaise with communities and district planners to help to overcome opposition to mast installations.”

Notes to Editors

1. Mobile UK is the trade association for the UK’s mobile network operators -  EE, O2, Three and Vodafone.
2. North Yorkshire County Council's press release relating to the round-table discussion can be found here.