We try to make sure our network masts don’t blight the landscape

Telefónica O2 UK consults local communities on our mast-siting plans. A third party is responsible for auditing our compliance with voluntary best-practice guidelines on responsible mast siting, as drawn up by the Mobile Operators’ Association. Their report is published annually and made available to the public.

Our approach is to find alternative sites or to mitigate the effects on biodiversity or visual impact where necessary.

When possible, we try to blend our sites into the environment through sensitive siting, design, and a range of masking materials. As a result some of our sites resemble trees, telegraph poles, flagpoles, chimneys or other architectural features. We will also consider what natural screening is available.

This is especially relevant in sensitive areas such as National Parks, Conservation Areas and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. To reduce our effects, we have a policy of sharing masts with other operators where feasible.