Farmers urged to act
Farmers and landowners are urged to seek professional advice before applying for a share of a £150 million Government grant to improve mobile black spots across the UK.
Chris Hicks from Fisher German
The Government has awarded Warwick-based Arqiva the multi-million pound contract to build new mobile communication masts to provide mobile phone and broadband coverage in “not spots” where there is currently little or no coverage.
Wales, Lancashire and Aberdeenshire are the first areas to benefit from the £150 million Mobile Infrastructure Project when masts will be constructed on farm land by the end of 2015.
Rural business and telecoms experts Fisher German, who have 15 offices throughout England, have warned farmers not to sign-up without gaining specialist help.
Telecoms specialist Chris Hicks from Fisher German said if farmers or landowners are approached by Arqiva or their nominated agents, The Harlequin Group, they should seek independent advice.
“Arqiva or The Harlequin Group will be looking for new sites,” he said. “This means that they will need to approach farmers and landowners to acquire sites.
“The typical site requirements are a 5mx5m area with access to a nearby power supply and reasonable vehicular access and they will be looking to secure their interest by way of a 20-year lease with an annual rental payment.
“It is important for farmers and landowners to consider areas of their land which may be suitable to host communication equipment and if they are approached by any agency, it is crucial to gain advice from specialists.
“At Fisher German we can guide people through the process by providing information on lease terms, the location and sites as well as handle the project from start to finish, and the majority of these costs will be paid for by Arqiva or The Harlequin Group.”
Chris added: “We act for over 4,000 landlords with mobile phone masts providing advice on all the aspects required.
“We can help farmers and landowners gain the best possible rental income possible from the project and of course, once the masts are up and running, they will have the benefit of improved communication to carry out their day-to-day business activities.”
