OXFORD, United Kingdom-Strict planning rules governing the location of third-generation (3G) transmitter masts look as if they could leave some regions of Scotland without access to the new mobile services. Hutchison 3G and MmO2 claim moratoria imposed by some Scottish councils to prevent masts being erected on their land will result in some places, including Edinburgh, getting 3G services up to one year later than elsewhere.
The cause of the problem is centered on the Scottish Executive’s half-hearted decision to delegate to its 32 councils whether or not to impose bans on siting masts on their land. The result has been, where moratoria are already in place, masts being erected on private land near public places and schools.
MmO2 was said to have unsuccessfully applied to erect a mast on an electricity pylon. Because the pylon was sited on a council-owned farm, and the council had a moratorium in place, the operator was forced to build a conventional mast near housing on private land.
Elsewhere in the United Kingdom, NEC and Siemens said they completed the first phase of the commercial 3G radio network for Hutchison 3G U.K. The two firms are contracted to supply half the 3G radio infrastructure required by Hutchison UK across London and southern England. NEC and Siemens said they have been installing up to 140 base stations per week.
