Council bouyant at broadband boost

CORRESPONDENCE is to be sent from Ballymena Borough Council to Environment Minister Alex Attwood in support of his announcement that planning system changes will boost local mobile phone and internet coverage.

In a release from him which was tabled at last Monday night’s May Council meeting, councillors learned that planning applications will no longer be needed to replace, alter or extend an existing mast or antenna or to install a limited number of antennas on an existing mast.

The Minister stated: “I want to see better coverage for mobiles and broadband. Citizens, communities and business want this. My plan will help this. Permitted development for mobile upgrades on masts and antennas will help mobile operators improve coverage.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Commenting on the announcement, Council Chief Executive, Anne Donaghy, described it as “good news for Ballymena” given that it would improve local access to 3G and 4G superfast mobile broadband” and she was successful in gaining permission from councillors to write to the Minister in support of the advancement achieved.

Related topics: