Mobile UK outlines in its response to the DCMS and MHCLG’s consultation on permitted development rights to support the deployment of 5G and extend mobile coverage that urgent planning reform is required. This will be key to ensuring that 5G is a success in the UK and also to underpin the recently announced proposal for a Shared Rural Network.

Mobile UK welcomes the Government’s proposals for building stronger, higher masts that could potentially host all mobile operators and build in the flexibility to host new 5G apparatus, and thus enable the next generation of services and applications.

However, it is critical that these reforms are implemented as quickly as possible as 5G networks are already being deployed. Previously changes to planning have come into force too late to have the desired practical effect. Getting our planning system right is essential to enabling the UK to fully realise the transformative impact of 5G.

Commenting on Mobile UK’s submission, Hamish MacLeod,Director, said:

“Mobile UK welcomes these proposed planning reforms.However, it is vital that in submitting our response, the changes are implemented as soon as possible to ensure that they can have the maximum effect. Getting our planning system geared up for 5G and our proposed Shared Rural Network is a critical step to realising the fourth industrial revolution.”

Notes to Editors

1. Mobile UK is the trade association for the UK’s mobile network operators - EE, O2, Three and Vodafone.
2. The Shared Rural Network is a joint initiative between all four MNOs and the Government to deliver significantly improved rural coverage to rural areas of the United Kingdom. Further information can be found here.
3. Mobile UK's full response can be found by clicking the link below.

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