London's network infrastructure planning rules could be losing the city 2.7 billion a year in economic output

Date:
Thu, 17 Sep 2026 09:42:10 +0000

Description:
VodafoneThree says it only gets 18 months' warning to relocate a mast, but it takes up to five years due to the city's systems.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter VodafoneThree says it takes up to 3.5 more years to relocate a mast after the warning period So-called 'functional not-spots' affect one in five London high streets, costing billions The solution involves earlier planning involvement and slicker processes VodafoneThree just accused London's network infrastructure planning rules of costing around 7.4 million in economic output every single day, the equivalent of 2.7 billion annually, because of Notices to Quit (NTQs).

These legal notices from landowners demand that mobile operators remove equipment from properties, and are typically issued during construction, renovation or demolition, giving operators just 18 months to take action. However the company argues that replacing a lost mobile site takes on average five years from start to finish, thus NTQs create a 3.5-year shortfall.
Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here: VodafoneThree wants more flexibility around Notices to Quit However, the company insists that external pressures are behind the current five-year timescale for new connections to
go live. Instead, VodafoneThree says that "outdated planning processes and
the complexity of securing a new site and relevant permissions" are to blame.

The network operator goes on to describe affected areas as 'functional not-spots' rather than total black-out not-spots in rural areas, it says
even London can be affected by areas of week, suboptimal connectivity even though they're technically covered by a signal. According to the report, one in five London high streets have a functional not-spot. You may like Report warns UK is falling behind Europe on modernizing its mobile networks Vodafone completes 4.3 billion VodafoneThree takeover Boosting mobile connectivity could give UK workers back three weeks a year

"When that infrastructure is removed before replacements are in place, local communities can face years of reduced connectivity which ultimately costs London billions in economic output," Chief Networks Officer Andrea Dona summarized.

And with redevelopment happening at such a rapid pace nowadays, it warns that up to 60 National Rail, Underground or Overground stations could be affected by an NTQ at any given time. Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed! Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Looking ahead, VodafoneThree wants developers and planners to involve mobile operators at the earliest stages possible so that they can get the ball rolling on securing future locations sooner.

"We welcome the growing recognition of NTQs as an issue and support efforts
to ensure connectivity is considered from the earliest stages of the planning process," Dona concluded. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/pro/londons-network-infrastructure-planning-rules-co uld-be-losing-the-city-gbp2-7-billion-a-year-in-economic-output


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