Foot and mouth threatens Europe's first 3G network

BT subsidiary Manx Telecom is planning to switch on Europe's first 3G networks by the end of May.

However, engineering access to many of the transmitters on the island is being obstructed by measures aimed at restricting the spread of foot and mouth disease.

Manx Telecom said in a statement that "three out of 10 base station sites and 14 additional sites have been subject to access restrictions during the last nine weeks since the first reported outbreak in the UK."

No case of foot and mouth has yet been recorded on the Isle of Man, but stringent measures are in place to prevent the virus reaching the island.

Disinfectant baths are in place at all ports of entry. Access to many country paths and large areas of hill country is also restricted, a spokesman for the Manx government confirmed.

Manx Telecom's statement adds: "By arrangement with the Manx Government and chief veterinary surgeon, Manx Telecom has negotiated 'special access' to most of the restricted sites so that essential network construction can continue."

However, foot and mouth won't make their job any easier. "Precautions have included the wearing of special disposable clothing, disinfection of vehicles, non use of vehicles that have been off-island since Christmas 2000 and minimizing the number of visits to restricted areas," said the statement.

Manx Telecom has said that it still expects to be able to switch the network on by the end of May, and that foot and mouth won't affect it. However, the network is only due to cover 70 per cent of the island by that date.

More at risk is the fate of the TT motorcycle racing festival, which takes place at the end of May and the beginning of June.

Manx Telecom had been hoping to broadcast highlights of the motorbike races on the network to demonstrate the video capabilities of their new 3G phones.

The TT festival involves thousands of visitors from across Europe bringing motorcycles to the island and staying in farmyard areas. The risk of spreading foot and mouth at such an event may be so great that some or all of the festival will be cancelled.

A decision from the Manx parliament is expected on Tuesday on whether to cancel the race.