UK mobile operator Virgin Media O2 has hit out at planning rules in London, warning that mobile coverage is suffering as a result of “outdated” legislation.. The telco said it has been forced to switch off dozens of mobile sites across the capital because of an outdated planning system.
This has left some of the city’s busiest areas blighted by poor-quality mobile coverage.. – Getty Images. VMO2 is demanding urgent change to improve mobile coverage in London, and says the issue is affecting other telcos.. The carrier noted that building developers are able to serve mobile operators with a ‘notice to quit,’ forcing them to remove their equipment within 18 months..
It notes that this can become an issue as it takes more than two years to replace a site, with some offline for more than seven years, which means equipment is being removed faster than it can be replaced.. The issue is made even tougher for telcos as planning prevents the deployment of masts in various locations, while in London there are typically few viable alternative sites nearby or lengthy approval processes for sites that are suitable, which is causing coverage gaps and weak signal for customers..
Providing some examples, Virgin Media O2 said it has been told to vacate key sites in the City and West End, leaving high footfall areas with reduced coverage.. Because of this, deployment of the UK’s mobile networks has been delayed, said the telco, which has pledged to invest an additional £700 million ($935m) into its mobile network this year..
The telco adds that new build developments often fail to factor in the impact on mobile connectivity, with tall buildings potentially blocking existing masts. At present, developers aren’t required to assess how a project will impact mobile services or support operators to find alternative sites..
This has had a noticeable impact, with a Mobile UK report revealing that there are fewer than 7 5G sites per 10,000 people in London.. Prioritize telco infrastructure. In an effort to drive some change, Virgin Media O2 has called for targeted changes to the planning system to better support mobile infrastructure deployment..
The telco said that this includes ensuring the National Planning Policy Framework clearly prioritizes telecoms infrastructure as a driver of economic growth, alongside reducing the number of applications requiring full planning or prior approval to ease pressure on local authorities.. On top of this, the company wants greater flexibility to deploy infrastructure more efficiently, including encouraging the use of rooftops, particularly in conservation areas, and increasing the number of antennas permitted..
The telco also wants developers to be required to consider their impact on mobile connectivity from the outset.. Virgin Media O2 added that it has filed its policy demands to the government as part of its National Planning Policy Framework consultation, and expects a response in the coming months..
“Mobile connectivity is critical to how people live and work, but in London, essential equipment is being removed faster than it can be replaced, with planning rules pummelling mobile coverage in the capital. Mobile operators are being hit by a double whammy as developers force them to remove mobile equipment while also bringing more people into an area, all of whom rely on their phones,” said Professor Robert Joyce, director of mobile access engineering at O2..
“This year, we’re investing more than £700m in our mobile network through our Mobile Transformation Plan. Planning rules must evolve so that this investment goes into building infrastructure and delivering a reliable network for customers – not into delays, fees, and compromised site choices.”.
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