Laura Sharman 10 July 2017

Councils call for control of fines levied on mobile operators

Councils have called for control over the fines given to mobile operators for poor coverage and customer service to boost connectivity.

The Local Government Association (LGA) said Ofcom has fined operators millions of pounds over the past three years due to breaches of its rules.

It said this money should be handed over to local areas to help communities access digital infrastructure.

Under government proposals, councils will be required to draft new planning policies setting out how they will deliver high quality digital infrastructure in their areas.

The LGA said extra funding would enable councils to trial new ways of working.

Cllr Mark Hawthorne, chairman of the LGA’s People and Places Board, said: ‘If a new duty is imposed on planning authorities to set out how they will help deliver digital infrastructure it must be accompanied by funding to pilot new local models for facilitating the deployment of these networks.

‘Rather than fines levied on mobile operators going straight to the Treasury, it would be far better for councils to be able to use the money to boost local efforts to ensure everyone has access to fast and reliable digital connectivity.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Cleaner and Caretaker

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £13.47 per hour
Are you looking for a cleaning role that is a little different? Ripon, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Cleaner and Caretaker

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £13.47 per hour
Are you looking for a cleaning role that is a little different? Bradley, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Specialist Customer Service Officer

Oxfordshire County Council
£31,537 - £34,434 per annum
Are you passionate about helping others and making a real impact in your community? We’re looking for Specialist Customer Service Officers to join our dynamic Contact Centre team, the first point of contact for a wide range of essential services acros Oxfordshire County Council , County Hall, Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Cook

North Yorkshire Council
£13.47 - £14.13 per hour
Are you keen to join a friendly team who are committed to making a real impact in their local community? Lancaster, Lancashire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Catering Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £12.65 per hour
We have an opportunity to join our award-winning Facilities Management catering team. North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner