The Green Party warns that duplication of the mobile phone networks is wasting precious energy and estimates that having one network could save 300 gigawatt hours a year.

They say there are some 50,000 base stations throughout the UK from different companies serving the same areas and that saving the estimated 300 gigawatt hours a year would equate to the electricity used by nearly 70,000 homes in a year.

Five networks cover the UK as the government originally wanted to ensure a level of competition in the industry, but a Green Party spokesperson said "The government wanted competition, but you can achieve competition without necessarily having a separate network each. The best hope is in government requiring Ofcom to begin considering environmental and energy issues, because at the moment it doesn't."

The time is right for the Government to intervene due to the imminent digital television switchover. As new masts are built to take on the extra spectrum, they could be built in a partnership to achieve the environmental objectives, although legislation will likely be required first.

The general rule is that sharing masts should be considered where possible although in reality this is unlikely due to the combination of commercial and cost considerations.
T-Mobile and 3 have already merged base stations, reducing the number of T-Mobile's masts from 18,000 to 15,000 by the end of the year. Orange and Vodafone are also doing something similar which means that maybe 2 networks is more realistic than one.

If you’re thinking of buying a new mobile phone and want to sell mobile phones for cash go to www.fonebank.com. Check out the prices now.