FUW urges rethink of mobile mast agreements

The Farmers’ Union of Wales is calling for a policy framework that treats farmers fairly when they host mobile-phone masts and encourages landowners and network operators to work together. In a statement dated 15 October, the union warns that falling rents risk weakening cooperation over the infrastructure needed for rural mobile coverage. It frames the issue as a question for whole communities, rather than farming businesses alone.

A policy request, not a new rule

FUW attributes the call to its Land Use and Climate Change Committee chair, Tim Faire. It argues that hosting a mast has helped farmers diversify their income while supporting better connectivity. The statement does not announce an agreed government review, new rent protection or a change to any particular agreement. Its warning about future connectivity is a risk the union identifies, not evidence that a named mobile service has been withdrawn.

The existing framework

The UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology’s published response on telecoms lease renewals set 7 April 2026 as the commencement date for provisions under the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022. The changes concern the financial terms on renewal of certain telecoms leases in England and Wales, bringing their valuation framework into line with the Electronic Communications Code. They do not establish that every mast host is due the same rent or reduction. The new development is FUW’s request to reconsider how the system supports cooperation. The union has not published a negotiated replacement framework in this statement.