Farming Talk: Rollout of 4G telecoms may prove a boon

The UK is one of the last developed European countries to license the 4G spectrum.

The long-awaited rollout of the 4G 'fourth generation' telecoms network may offer lucrative opportunities to landowners and rural businesses as well as bringing hope to rural areas with limited or no broadband service.

The announcement that the telecoms regulator Ofcom will support the use of the existing spectrum provided by Everything Everywhere (the UK's largest operator) is a titanic step that has angered rival operators but will ultimately benefit the wider public, as services could be rolled out by the end of 2012.

Ofcom acknowledged that although this pre-empts the auction for a suitable spectrum, which was due to be held later this year, it would be likely that Everything Everywhere would be the only entity capable of providing 4G services nationally for some time.

Advances in computing and telecommunications have fuelled the global demand for greater access to the internet without the need for a physical internet connection. The emerging 4G technology will be transmitted wirelessly over many kilometres and where possible carried on existing telecoms masts.

This promises significantly faster wireless broadband services with speeds up to 230 per cent faster than the network currently in place. It is expected to approach 450 per cent faster by 2020.

Rural areas like ours with limited or no broadband service should significantly benefit from this decision as there are increasing requirements for online applications, namely tax returns and Rural Payment Agency forms. As a result, access to the internet is crucial to landowners and farmers across the country.

Landowners in suitable areas may also stand to benefit where there is a need for new mast sites to utilise 4G. Additionally, those with existing mast sites should also keep a close eye on developments, as many may require upgrading and installation of equipment outside of their present allowances. This could offer landlords an opportunity to negotiate more favourable terms and lease payments.

On the other hand, it may be prudent for landowners with mast agreements coming up for renewal to secure renewed terms now in case their sites become obsolete following the rollout.

Strutt & Parker will be producing a 2012 Telecoms Survey in the next month. Please contact the Shrewsbury office to request a copy on (01743) 284204.

Robert Paul is Strutt & Parker's telecoms expert