To aid their target of delivering 85% gigabit-capable coverage by 2025, ensuring that 95% of the UK’s geographic landmass has 4G coverage from at least one mobile network operator by 2025 and the majority of the UK population has 5G coverage by 2027, the UK Government has announced a consultation on proposed changes to the existing Electronic Communications Code. These changes seek to address the following problems:
1. Issues relating to obtaining and using Code agreements
2. Rights to upgrade and share equipment
3. Difficulties relating to the renewal of expired agreements.
The consultation intends to gather views from landowners, site providers, operators, internet service providers, consumers and representative organisations about what changes are required to aid the delivery of telecommunications coverage and connectivity to consumers and businesses across the nation.
SLE encourages its members to read through the consultation and respond directly to the consultation so that their views on the changes and previous experiences with telecoms operators and contractors are shared directly with the UK Government. The closing date for comments is 11.45pm on 24 March 2021.
If you would like to share any feedback or opinions on the consultation, please email them directly to our policy advisor Lindsay Duncan - lindsay.duncan@scottishlandandestates.co.uk - who will be submitting a consultation response on behalf of SLE.