One of the worst mobile phone “not-spots” in the east of Suffolk has been given new hope after O2 has applied for permission to install a new mast for the area.
The villages of Holbrook, Stutton and Harkstead have been cut off from modern mobile technology because nowhere could be found for a mast to be set up.
South Suffolk MP James Cartlidge made introducing modern technology to all parts of his constituency a major plank of his election campaign before he was elected to parliament last year.
He said he was delighted that O2 was working with Anglia Water to try to get a new mast set up at Alton Water which would improve the coverage.
Mr Cartlidge said: “We cannot assume this will go ahead because until permission is given and work starts, anything can happen – but I know there are a lot of people in the area who are keen to get access to this technology.
“This is a commercial decision by O2 which would improve the coverage for its customers giving coverage in Holbrook and Stutton. Hopefully that coverage can also be extended to Harkstead if the mast is properly aligned.
“There is always the danger there will be objections – but I think most people want to see this come to the area.”
Because it would be a commercial decision the mast would not carry signals for all networks – unlike those put up by the government scheme – but O2 and Vodafone have an agreement to share masts in rural areas.
The planning application for a 25-metre mast which would be put up near the car park by the Alton Water Yacht Club has been submitted to Babergh Council.
If it is approved, it would probably take about six months to put up and fully install – meaning the earliest it could be in operation would be next summer.
Published by the East Anglian Daily Times.
