Hutchison 3G to get wired up to pylons

Hutchison 3G, Britain's newest mobile operator, has signed a deal with the National Grid to site radio antennae on electricity pylons.

The National Grid will carry up to 1,000 masts for Hutchison alongside motorways and main roads.

The deal is in response to growing concern that the increased need for radio masts to guarantee availability of 3G services will have a detrimental impact on the British countryside.

Other 3G operators around the world are trying to get round the infrastructure problem by sharing networks, and innovative ideas such as putting masts on church spires.

Colin Tucker, managing director of Hutchison 3G, told the Financial Times: "This agreement to locate equipment on National Grid's pylons means we are reducing the environmental impact as well as the number of new sites."