Microwave Links and Telecommunications
Mobile phones operate through a network of invisible ‘signal’ paths which criss-cross the country. In order to ensure that no signals are affected by the turbines, all link and telecommunications companies have been consulted, so that the turbines can be positioned where there will be no effect on the networks.
If a proposal is submitted to Wokingham Borough Council a range of bodies and organisations will be formally asked to review and comment on the proposal. These bodies and organisations include, but are not limited to:
- The Office of Communications
- Telecomms operators such as BT, T-Mobile, Vodafone, O2, Virgin & Orange
- Television operators such as the BBC and ITV
To give local residents additional confidence a successful planning notice will be accompanied by a planning condition that gives the developer responsibility for remedying any unforeseen problems at their own cost. This can include actions such as purchasing television booster aerials.
The types of telecommunication links investigated include:
Television signals: these are broadcast from a network of main transmitters around the country supplemented by additional, lower power, local transmitters in areas where the main signal is of poor quality.
Fixed radio links: these include trunk telephone services, mobile phone services, televisions signals and government and defence communications. These links run point-to-point and most of them are at microwave frequencies similar to those used by mobile phones. The links are generally relatively narrow so they can be designed around although some operators require a clearance zone of as much as 250 metres.
Scanning telemetry systems: these are used by water and power industries to monitor and control sub-stations, water and sewage works, pipelines and supply networks.
We do not anticipate any objections from any microwave or telecommunications consultees.