Telecoms

As discussed in recent weeks, the new Electronic Communications Code raises concerns for landowners contemplating demolition and redevelopment projects. But there are other, more hidden problems. Housing minister Gavin Barwell has unveiled new measures last month to speed up housebuilding in his Neighbourhood Development Bill. In his first speech as minister, he outlined the government’s […]

The Telecoms Code is currently in the Public Bill Committee stage in Parliament.  This allows an opportunity for interested parties to submit written evidence to the Committee. The deadline for receiving submissions is 1 November 2016 (extended from the original deadline of 27 October 2016). The link to the relevant site is below, where you […]

Developers at risk For developers, telecoms has been one of those topics which everyone would prefer to avoid or pass over to a colleague.   It is an issue that comes fairly low down on everyone’s lists. However, there is a real risk for developers if they fail to give any attention to the proposed New […]

April last year witnessed a very rare event in the world of the Electronic Communications Code (Code): a court decision on the interpretation of a part of the Code.  Thekla Fellas, our head of real estate litigation, acted on behalf of Chris Nicholson (Operations) Limited seeking the removal of Arqiva’s telecommunications apparatus from its residential […]

Thekla Fellas and Wayne Clark review a case that exposed flaws in the Electronic Communications Code and examine the proposed new code It is agreed by both practitioners and judges who deal with the Electronic Communications Code (the code) that it is unclear and provides little or no certainty for landlords or operators. There is […]

The Electronic Communications Code (Code) was first enacted in 1984 to regulate the provision of landline telephones. Since then technology has advanced beyond recognition and the Code is no longer fit for purpose. After sustained criticism of the workings of the Code, in September 2011 the Government asked the Law Commission to carry out a […]

Telecoms apparatus continues to give rise to contentious issues between site providers and operators. With the increase in the personal use of digital media on smartphones and tablets, the need for sites will increase. Add to that the Government’s policy to improve the mobile phone coverage across the UK and its policy to provide high […]

The Electronic Communications Code (or “Telecoms Code” as it used to be known) is in need of reform. The Code was introduced in 1984 as a result of the privatisation of BT. It now applies to all forms of electronic communications, such as fibre optic cabling and broadband as well as mobile phone masts and […]