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[Bowdon]

http://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2017/03/new-draft-uk-electronic-communications-code-boost-broadband-rollout.html

Ofcom has published a Draft Code of Practice to support the Government’s proposed reforms to the Electronic Communications Code (ECC), which aim to make it easier and cheaper for network operators to roll-out new broadband and telecoms infrastructure (masts, cables etc.) on public and private land.

At present when a fixed line broadband or mobile operator wants to deploy a new network, particularly into rural areas, then this can often be hampered by an inability to reach a viable wayleave agreement for access to the land. Private landowners in particularly are usually opposed to anything that would result in them having less control over their land or reduced income from the rental paid by telecoms operators for allowing such access.

However deploying into rural areas with sparse communities is already very expensive and operators may struggle to develop a viable model. The Government are currently trying to encourage the spread of faster broadband and better mobile connectivity to rural areas, which means that they also have to make it easier and cheaper for infrastructure builders to construct new wireless masts, cable ducts and street cabinets etc.

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations-and-statements/category-1/electronic-communications-code

The reforms to the electronic communications code proposed in the Digital Economy Bill are wide-ranging and will be of particular significance for network operators and landowners. However, they include new obligations on Ofcom to publish:

• a Code of Practice to accompany the proposed changes to the electronic communications code;
• a number of template notices which must be used by Code operators and landowners/occupiers; and
• standard terms which may (but need not) be used by Code operators and landowners or occupiers when negotiating agreements to confer Code rights.

Ofcom has prepared drafts of each of the documents referred to above and, as envisaged by the Digital Economy Bill, is now seeking views on each of these.

I think this is a good attempt at streamlining the process. Not sure how far it will get but a step in the right direction.