A cellular telecommunications system and methods of monitoring, control and communication within such a system. In one aspect redundancy is provided by a second mode of communication for control signals should the primary mode be unavailable. In one embodiment a secondary wireless network is provided in case of failure of a backhaul link. This allows the control of ancillary equipment in case of unavailability of the primary mode of communication. In another aspect continuity of telephony signals may be provided in a cellular communications system by utilising one or more wireless link between base stations to convey telephony signals normally conveyed via a backhaul link.