Tuesday 7th August – 16:00

• Government, industry and the landowner community have come together for a roundtable to address concerns arising from the reformed Electronic Communications Code.
• The participants have produced a joint statement and have reaffirmed commitments to the ECC and the Ofcom Code of Practice.

- Statement Begins -

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

- Statement Ends -

Margot James MP, Minister for Digital, said:

"It's great to see MobileUK, the CLA and RICS 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."

Hamish MacLeod, Director and Mobile UK, said:

“Achieving the Government’s ambition of becoming a leading digital economy relies on boosting coverage and capacity, which can only be achieved if landowners work together with the telecoms sector as per the reformed Electronic Communications Code and the OFCOM Code of Practice. We welcome the publication of the statement jointly with the DCMS, RICS, and the CLA reaffirming these commitments.”

Notes to Editors

1. Mobile UK is the trade association for the UK’s mobile network operators -  EE, O2, Three and Vodafone.
2. The Joint Statement is made between the DCMS, RICS, the CLA and Mobile UK.