Issue - meetings
Mobile Network Coverage
Meeting: 10/04/2024 - Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Item 64)
Mobile Network Coverage
Purpose:
To receive a presentation from Gareth Elliott, Director of Policy and Communications at Mobile UK, as a result of a Motion considered by Council on 27 September 2023 regarding mobile network coverage across the District.
Recommendation:
That the Committee Resolves to:
1. Note the contents of the presentation from the Director of Policy and Communications.
Invited:
- Gareth Elliott, Director of Policy and Communications at Mobile UK;
- Councillor Andy Graham – Leader of the Council;
- Phil Martin – Assistant Director, Business Services.
Minutes:
Gareth Elliot, Director of Policy and Communications for Mobile UK provided a presentation to the Committee and explained that Mobile UK was the body that represented the four major mobile network operators; which were listed as Three, Vodafone, EE. and Virgin/O2. Other networks were not included because they did not own the infrastructure and therefore used the 4 aforementioned companies’ infrastructure.
It was explained that the material presented was for the purposes of raising awareness and providing information to challenge perceptions and myths. Mobile UK could not provide specifics on applications because that was in line with commercial decisions made by the operators.
The difference between 4G and 5G were explained and how it was essential to for 5G to be implemented. It was explained where 5G sat on the health spectrum of radiation, and the importance of 5G access and wireless connectivity for a multitude of services including healthcare, jobs digital inclusion.
The barriers to deployment were summarised and identified including leadership, planning delays, resources, localised objections. Hence why Mobile UK desired to help Councils with incentives and campaigning of digital champions etc. Examples of structures were presented and technical requirements were explained and the density of infrastructure required was displayed with mast options shown. More information could be provided with a library of resources and a podcast.
The following points were raised by the Committee and responses provided by Gareth and/or Officers:
· It was queried if West Oxfordshire was only covered by one network It was explained that planning restrictions in the UK make it difficult to build infrastructure and if you want coverage you need a mast.
· It was asked if there were any developers required to provide a mast infrastructure. It was explained that this was not the case and that the developments were often covered with existing infrastructure. It could be useful for Mobile UK to know when developments were coming to allow some proactivity.
· It was queried if there had been any mast applications in WODC and if those applications were welcomed or objected. It was explained that ? Norton was one example.
· It was suggested that if a map could be provided of all the masts requires, a provision could be made for in the Local Plan. It was explained that the network operators don’t provide that or share that data and they compete for contracts with applications based on the need for capacity in that area. Another Member confirmed he had seen them in planning but most were not problematic unless they involved aesthetics of listed buildings etc.
· It was asked if there was a system of roaming and if that was an issue that needed to be addressed by the operator. It was explained that Mobile UK didn’t think that roaming was a solution and you could not roam without the infrastructure.
· There was a query asked around central government budgets and what the process was for Councils to report a black spot or area with very bad coverage and how ... view the full minutes text for item 64