VodafoneThree blames slow planning for London mobile not-spots

Mobile network operator VodafoneThree has identified slow planning approval processes as a primary cause of mobile phone 'not-spots' across London. The company states that redevelopment projects, which necessitate the relocation of existing mobile equipment, are being hampered by lengthy planning permission timelines, sometimes extending up to five years for a new site.

This mismatch between the need to vacate existing sites and the delayed installation of replacements creates what VodafoneThree terms 'functional not-spots'. These are areas where mobile signals may exist but are too weak or unreliable for consistent data use. The issue affects all mobile networks operating in the capital.

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Economic Impact and Station Disruptions

The economic consequences of these connectivity gaps are significant. VodafoneThree estimates that the disruption could result in London losing approximately £7.4 million in economic output every day. The problem is also impacting public transport infrastructure, with around 60 National Rail, London Underground, or London Overground stations facing equipment removal notices at any given time. This includes stations on major rail lines.

VodafoneThree expects to be asked to remove equipment from nearly 100 London sites by the end of 2026. This situation means that roughly one in five of London's high streets experiences a functional mobile not-spot. The company clarified that the problem is not a lack of investment but a procedural bottleneck.

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Calls for Planning Reform

To address these issues, VodafoneThree is advocating for mobile connectivity to be integrated earlier into the planning stages of redevelopment projects. The operator suggests that developers, local authorities, and network providers should initiate discussions about replacement sites during the pre-application phase. This proactive approach aims to prevent coverage gaps when existing equipment must be moved.

Furthermore, VodafoneThree is calling for the Greater London Authority to assume a more prominent coordinating role. The company also wants the forthcoming London Plan to incorporate specific measures designed to safeguard mobile coverage throughout redevelopment processes. Nationally, the company has requested that temporary mobile installations be permitted for up to 36 months, providing operators with extended timelines to maintain service while permanent solutions are secured.

When that infrastructure is removed before replacements are in place, local communities can face years of reduced connectivity, which ultimately costs London billions in economic output. This is not an investment challenge. We’re investing heavily in improving connectivity, but outdated planning processes mean sites can be forced offline far more quickly than they can be replaced.

Andrea Donà, VodafoneThree’s Chief Network Officer

The research underpinning these claims was commissioned by VodafoneThree and included polling of 1,008 London adults conducted by Survation in May 2026.