Network roll-out - best practice

O2 is guided by and fully supports best practice in the development of mobile telecommunications networks.

Our network roll-out – particularly the current development of 3G services in the UK, Germany and Ireland involves wide dialogue and consultation with key stakeholders.

• the GSM Europe Recommendations on network roll-out good practice.
• the UK industry's Ten Commitments to best siting practice.
• the joint operator voluntary agreement in Germany.

O2 joined other network operators to develop the Ten Commitments to mast siting in the UK. The aim is to increase information and to involve the public in siting issues. Regular reviews have resulted in improvements to these procedures since they were launched in 2001.

What else are we doing to get it right?

• We have a team of community relations managers in each of our businesses and their job is to make sure local communities are well informed of where we plan to build masts. We attend public meetings, consult through drop-in sessions, distribute information leaflets and operate a dedicated help line for queries.
  
• Every autumn we publish a list of the UK sites we plan to develop in the coming year. This helps local planners to work with our community relations teams and to address potential problems.
  
• Wherever possible we try to work with other operators. We are committed to sharing our infrastructure and this reduces the environmental impact of our 3G roll-out.
  
• Our antennas are identified by clear safety signs to warn people not to get too close.
  
• We review our practices against any new recommendations on safety procedures and take action accordingly: for example, the recent Health Protection Agency (National Radiological Protection Board’s) advice for limiting occupational exposure.
  
• We are conscious of our role in protecting the environment and the landscape, on waste management, and the responsible sourcing of equipment in our supply chain. We comply with the international environmental standard ISO 14001.

Find out more:

• What are radio waves?
• What is Specific Absorption Rate?
• What are cell sites?
• Base stations – location and roll-out