§ Mrs. MayTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has had with the(a) Treasury and (b) Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions concerning 3G mobile phone licences. [12411]
§ Mr. Alexander[holding answer 5 November 2001]: The Treasury was a member of the auction steering group that established the auction process leading to the award of the 3G licences. The Treasury and the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions were involved in the production of the information memorandum sent to prospective participants in the 3G auction.
My officials also liaise with the DTLR as necessary on planning issues affecting telecommunications, including those related to the installation of masts and other equipment for 3G networks.
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§ Mrs. MayTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimates her Department has made of the increase in demand for mobile phone masts that will result from the implementation of 3G technology; and if she will make a statement. [12410]
§ Mr. Alexander[holding answer 5 November 2001]: The number of mobile masts needed for third generation mobile communications systems depends upon a wide range of assumptions about demand and technical issues. These are commercial decisions for the licensees. The Department is encouraging operators to minimise the number of installations needed by sharing facilities as long as this does not disproportionately reduce competition.