Agreement on a new Infrastructure Code for better connectivity
Yesterday, the Government alongside landowners and telecom providers issued a joint statement to reaffirm support for the reformed Electronic Communications Code (ECC).
The reformed ECC came into force in December 2017 to provide easier and cheaper access to mobile operators, and fixed line fibre broadband providers into public and private land to implement new networks so as to boost coverage and connectivity across the UK.
The UK Minister for Digital, Margot James MP said: “It’s great to see industry and landowners committing to the Electronic Communications Code and backing our ambitions to improve connectivity and ensure Britain is fit for the future. From improving our existing networks, to using the next generation of technology, collaboration is vital when it comes to building our digital infrastructure.”
The announcement follows the recent decision by CLA and NFU to update the wayleave framework to assist with speeding up broadband rollout in rural areas.
Director of Mobile UK, Hamish MacLeod warns: "[New broadband and mobile networks] can only be achieved if landowners work together with the telecoms sector as per the reformed [ECC] and the Ofcom Code of Practice. We welcome the publication of the statement jointly with the DCMS, RICS, and the CLA reaffirming these commitments.”
Although the reformed ECC aimed to assist with boosting coverage and connectivity, historical issues with progressing negotiations continued, thereby making it difficult for network builders to expand coverage across communities that need it most.
But now all parties have come together to assist with the Government’s ambition for full fibre and 5G mobile.
In a Joint Statement by the UK Government and Industry, it was said: "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."
