UK government sets out reform plans to improve mobile coverage

Reform plans to speed up the process around building mobile masts and other phone infrastructure have been set out as the government seeks to improve mobile coverage across the UK.

The proposed changes will clarify and simplify the planning restrictions around mobile broadband infrastructure, although they will focus on operators sharing existing sites to avoid installing new masts wherever possible. The reforms were agreed by government as part of the 4G auction negotiations, according to a person familiar with the situation. They have met opposition from campaigners worried about the effect on the environment. The proposals will be opened for consultation, although those close to the process said that they could still come into effect this year.