More phone masts needed? The government investigates

The government is commissioning research into future developments in mobile phone technology and needs for more mobile masts.

The research will also look at the potential for mobile operators to share masts.

Planning Minister Yvette Cooper said: "It is important to identify the future direction of mobile phone technology in order to inform policy development and to respond to public interest in this area."

There is a continuing debate over the health impact of using mobile phones and living close to mobile phone masts.

The Mobile Operators Association (MOA) said in a statement to silicon.com: "Operators share both sites and masts where possible. It is cheaper to share rather than build a new mast each time. However it is not always technically possible and a shared mast may not be possible for planning reasons."

Shared masts also tend to be taller and more sturdy than unshared masts because of the amount of hardware they have to carry.

"Local Authority planners and councillors may prefer shorter structures that minimise the visual impact on the environment," the MOA added.

The research will consider the effectiveness of the Sitefinder database, maintained by Ofcom, which provides information on all cellular radio transmitters and their emissions in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.