Further to Nick Kempe’s post at the end of March about how satellite technology is rapidly undermining the case for erecting phone masts in Total Not Spots (see here), it is worth highlighting that Vodaphone announced at the end of February (see here) that they are planning to offer satellite enabled, low data rate calls in the UK from 2026:

“Vodafone is spearheading the introduction of commercial direct-to-smartphone mobile broadband satellite connectivity across Europe later in 2025 and 2026.

Vodafone and its partners see satellite connectivity as a complementary, bolt-on technology providing valuable coverage and resilience where no feasible mobile or fixed alternative exists at present such as on mountains or out at sea.”

This was explained further in a Trade Journal article(see here)

“This is essentially a space-based 2G, 4G and 5G mobile broadband service that can connect with regular handsets around the world.

The eventual aim is to make this service attractive for regular consumers (we suspect this may form part of a ‘global roaming’ style add-on for mobile plans, at extra cost). Today’s agreement thus establishes the framework for Vodafone to offer space-based cellular broadband connectivity in its home markets (e.g. the UK),”

Despite this evidence, planning authorities continue to approve some telecommunications masts in Wild Land Areas – two for April as recorded on the Shared Rural Network Mast Action Group Facebook Page (see here).  There is no longer ANY justification for approving these developments.