CABLE firm NTL is set to sell Emley Moor mast, it is claimed.
City analysts believe that NTL is likely to sell its broadcast division to focus on providing cable TV, broadband internet and telephone services to homes and firms.
The division includes the 1,084ft Emley Moor mast - a listed building which relays TV, telephone and radio signals.
A spokeswoman for NTL refused to comment on speculation that it plans to sell the division.
But she confirmed that NTL had appointed experts to advise on ways to "separate" the division from the company's other operations, but insisted several options were being investigated.
The move follows the decision by National Grid Transco to buy 3,500 mobile phone and broadcasting masts from US-based Crown Castle in a £1.1bn deal.
Transco had been regarded as a likely buyer for the NTL masts, but has now been ruled out.
NTL's masts business contributed £270m to the firm's financial results last year.
* The 1,084ft concrete mast was built between 1969 and 1971 to replace a steel structure which collapsed in March, 1969, under heavy ice
* It weighs 5,400 tonnes and has foundations 20ft deep. Its concrete walls are 31in thick at the base tapering to 13½in at the top.
* The mast transmits TV signals and houses antennae for mobile phones, radio and digital TV companies
* It has a lift which takes seven minutes to reach the top
* The mast was designated a listed building in November, 2001
* It is a third taller than the Post Office Tower in London, which is also listed
* It was bought by CableTel in 1996 as part of the company's £200m takeover of broadcasting business NTL
