CLA responds to government’s proposals to make mobile phone masts taller

The government is proposing law changes that will allow mobile phone masts to be increased in size to boost coverage in rural areas.

Under the proposals, mobile companies will be allowed to make new and existing masts up to five metres taller and two metres wider than current rules permit.

Mark Bridgeman, President of the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) which represents 28,000 rural businesses across England and Wales, said:

“We welcome this announcement as a positive step towards improving mobile coverage in rural areas.

“We know that better digital connectivity is a key enabler for broader economic success. The rural economy is 18% less productive than the national average, with the countryside missing out on billions of pounds and hundreds of thousands of jobs as a result. Better mobile coverage will help to close the productivity gap, helping to create a more prosperous rural economy.”