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[Bowdon]

https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2018/08/landowners-telcos-and-uk-gov-commit-to-new-infrastructure-code.html

The Government has this afternoon issued a joint statement alongside landowners and telecoms providers (broadband ISPs and mobile network operators), which aims to put aside past “problems” over implementation of the reformed Electronic Communications Code (ECC) and reaffirm support for the changes.

The reformed Electronic Communications Code (ECC), which is part of the 2017 Digital Economy Act and is supported by Ofcom’s related Code of Practice, has been designed to make it easier and cheaper for mobile operators or fixed line fibre broadband providers to access public or private land in order to build new networks.

Historically there’s always been some tension around this issue, not least due issues of disruption, access and cost (rental). As a result disputes over wayleave agreements can sometimes make it far too difficult or expensive for network builders to expand their coverage into digitally disadvantaged communities, which must be overcome in order to support the Government’s ambition for “full fibre” (FTTH/) and 5G mobile.

The new ECC aimed to resolve this, not least by making it so that telecoms providers could reach rental agreements that would see them paying about the same amount as utility providers (water, electricity etc.), who often pay a lot less. Naturally that has not been universally popular with landowners but this afternoon everybody seems to have finally come together over the issue.

    Joint Statement by the UK Government and Industry

    The reformed Electronic Communications Code (ECC) came into force in December 2017 with the aim of boosting coverage and connectivity across the UK, through a package of measures which Government expects to deliver significant cost reductions to the sector, while ensuring that landowners receive a fair payment for allowing their land to be used.

    Since the new legislation was introduced, there have been problems with negotiations progressing. While some initial uncertainty is to be expected, Government, regulators, the telecoms sector, independent infrastructure providers and the landowner community, recognise the importance of all parties working collaboratively together, both during this transition period and moving forwards.

    We are therefore coming together to reaffirm the commitments made to each other in Ofcom’s Code of Practice, and to reiterate our support for the Government’s ambition to be a leading global economy underpinned by world class full fibre network and 5G infrastructure. It is essential that parties engage professionally in open and constructive communications. The future needs of customers and the economy are too important for it to be otherwise.

    Signatories

    Mobile UK
    CLA (Country Land and Business Association)
    Ofcom
    WIG (Wireless Infrastructure Group)
    Arqiva
    Vodafone
    CTIL (Cornerstone Telecommunications Infrastructure Ltd)
    O2
    Three UK
    EE
    MBNL (Mobile Broadband Network Ltd)
    Openreach (BT)
    Virgin Media
    NFU (National Farmers’ Union)
    BPF (British Property Federation)
    Countryside Alliance
    GLA (Greater London Authority)
    TechUK
    RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors)
    DWF (DWF LLP)