Power installation of UK telecommunication base stations

Where can radio equipment be installed in the UK?

Operators may establish, install and use radio equipment anywhere in the UK, in accordance with their Wireless Telegraphy Act licences, issued by Ofcom. Obtaining planning permission for the physical structures that host the radio equipment is handled by the relevant local planning authorities.

How do base stations work?

Base stations transmit and receive radio waves to connect the users of mobile phones and other devices to mobile communications networks. The strength of the radio waves from base station antennas reduces rapidly with increasing distance and the levels at locations where the public can be exposed tend to be small.

How can a base station be regulated?

Control of exposures occurs through product safety legislation, health and safety legislation and planning policy. These regulatory areas all consider the international guidelines. With some of the larger and more powerful base stations, there can be regions around the antennas within which the guideline levels can be exceeded.

What is a base station?

Base stations are stationary radio transmitters with antennas mounted on freestanding masts or on buildings. The largest base stations provide the main infrastructure for networks and may be up to several kilometres apart. Their antennas tend to be mounted at sufficient height to give them a clear view over the surrounding geographical area.

Should telecommunications operators share masts and sites?

Site sharing: It has been a longstanding Government policy objective to encourage telecommunications operators, wherever viable, to share masts and sites as a means of minimising overall mast numbers. Existing masts, buildings and other structures should be used, unless the need for a new site has been justified.

Do you need construction stage approval for a Telecom mast?

The operator must apply for construction stage approval if the mast is positioned on or could fall onto Highways England land. Several of the standards referenced within the Telecom Mast Registration Procedure have now been superseded, and whilst still relevant the document is in need of updating.