Warning over loss of telecom mast income

Farmers with mobile telecom masts on their land could lose out, after rationalisation by the big operators, a land agent warns.

Chris Hicks of Fisher German said mobile firms were trying to save money by reducing the number of masts and increasing site-sharing agreements with competitors. Lower-value rural sites could be hit first, he reckoned.

Mr Hicks said operators could try to exercise break clauses that may not be entirely legal by claiming it was for “operational” reasons, when really it was for economic reasons. Farmers should also check their rental agreements before allowing firms to site share, he added.