Northern Ireland mobile network changes could help unlock £1.4bn economic boost
Proposed changes to Northern Ireland mobile network planning rules could help remove barriers to improved connectivity and contribute to a potential £1.4 billion economic boost over the next decade.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has launched a 12-week public consultation on proposed changes to permitted development rights for mobile network operators.
The Department for Infrastructure says the proposals are aimed at supporting investment in modern digital infrastructure while maintaining appropriate safeguards for communities and the environment.
Northern Ireland mobile network planning rules under review
Permitted development rights allow certain types of development to take place without the need for a full planning application, subject to specified conditions and limitations.
The consultation is examining the existing rights available to electronic communications operators under Northern Ireland’s planning regulations.
The Department wants to establish whether the current rules remain suitable as operators continue to build and upgrade infrastructure required for modern mobile services.
The proposals form part of ongoing work aimed at balancing the removal of unnecessary regulatory barriers with protections for the environment, local amenity and public safety.
Improved mobile connectivity could boost economy by £1.4bn
The Department said improved mobile connectivity could provide significant benefits for Northern Ireland’s economy.
Research published by Matrix in November 2023 estimated that removing barriers to building and upgrading mobile network infrastructure could increase the Northern Ireland economy by around £1.4 billion over ten years.
The proposals have been developed through work connected to the Department for the Economy’s Mobile Action Plan and its subsequent Barrier Busting Taskforce.
That work has sought to identify obstacles preventing mobile infrastructure from being deployed and upgraded quickly and efficiently.
Kimmins says digital infrastructure is vital
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said modern digital infrastructure was vital to supporting economic growth, productivity and opportunity across Northern Ireland.
She said the planning system had an important role in facilitating new and upgraded telecommunications infrastructure while ensuring development was appropriately located and designed to minimise its impact on communities and the environment.
The Minister said she wanted to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens where appropriate and encouraged people with an interest in planning and digital connectivity to respond to the consultation.
Major investment in mobile networks
The consultation comes as mobile operators continue to invest significantly in network infrastructure.
The Department highlighted the UK Government’s ambition to achieve nationwide standalone 5G coverage across all populated areas by 2030.
VodafoneThree has committed £11 billion to network investment, while BT/EE is investing £40 billion this decade.
The Department said Northern Ireland’s share of those investments is expected to run into hundreds of millions of pounds.
Northern Ireland mobile network consultation open until December
The consultation opened on 1 October and will run for 12 weeks.
Individuals, businesses, mobile network operators and other interested organisations can submit their views on the proposals.
Responses must be received by 5pm on 23 December 2026.
The Department said feedback received during the consultation will help inform any future changes to permitted development rights for mobile telecommunications infrastructure.
Further information / consultation:
Review of Permitted Development Rights for Mobile Telecommunications – Department for Infrastructure
Official announcement:
Department for Infrastructure – mobile telecommunications consultation announcement