London is planning to have its own communications satellite to cut the expenses on erecting several hundred mobile phone masts. The satellite could also possibly be used for monitoring motorists from space, local authorities said on Monday.
The London Development Agency (LDA) board has voted in favour of a decision to spend £12 million on the satellite project. The firm behind the scheme, Inmarsat, already has a number of satellites in orbit.
A spokes man of the LDA, which is responsible for developing London’s economy, said ‘It is important to stay at the forefront of new technology.’ The satellite, to be launched in 2011, would have the capacity to handle mobile phone and internet communications and could also be used to monitor drivers around the country from space.
But Bob Blackman, the economic development spokesperson for the Conservatives in the London Assembly says ‘This is an utter waste of taxpayers’ money.’
The satellite, when launched, will be another ‘first’ in the history of London which has many ‘firsts’ to its credit - like the red double-decker buses, public telephone booths and the tube train.
