The Highways Agency has published proposals to contract out the upkeep of its communications network in a move that could bolster development of third-generation (3G) mobile networks in the UK.

Under the terms of the public/private partnership, the successful bidder would gain access to the Agency's nationwide network of fibre optic and copper cable, used to carry voice telephony, video and data between Agency buildings and the road network.

The winning bidder "would have the freedom, within certain specified constraints, to choose how services will be provided [over the network] taking into account the potential for commercial revenue generation", said the Agency.

Spare capacity could be sold off to commercial telephone or data network operators.

"The winning bidder will be responsible for managing and delivering the planning, installation and maintenance of aerials, masts and infrastructure on the Agency's land and structures, making them available, on a non-discriminatory basis, for use by other mobile and network operators," say the proposals.

This will benefit the five 3G mobile networks. In addition to having access to existing and new aerial masts where mobile cells can be co-located cheaply, these networks could also make use of the Agency network at the same locations to avoid the cost of installing additional fibre.