Policy paper

Government publishes proposals for a new Electronic Communications Code

New rights for communications companies will help promote greater long term investment in digital infrastructure

• From: Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, and Ed Vaizey
• Published: 17 May 2016

Documents

A New Electronic Communications Code

PDF, 440 KB, 22 pages

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Electronic Communications Code: regulatory impact assessment

PDF, 404 KB, 23 pages

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Regulatory Policy Committee Opinion

PDF, 203 KB, 4 pages

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Financial Impact of Electronic Communications Code Changes: Analysys Mason

PDF, 767 KB, 32 pages

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Details

Since the Electronic Communications Code was created in 1984, digital communications have changed the world. Digital technology is now integrated into everyday life and citizens see fast broadband and reliable mobile phone signal as a basic need.

Government is putting forward this package of legislative reforms to improve the case for private investment in digital infrastructure. This will help communications providers to extend coverage and improve connectivity, even in the hardest to reach areas.

The reforms include a major change to the rights communications providers have to access land by moving to a ‘no scheme’ basis for valuation, similar to the system used for utilities. Communications providers will also have new rights to upgrade and share their equipment, which will allow future technologies to be rolled out quickly.

These reforms, along with other changes in the new Code, will make it easier and more cost effective for digital communications providers to deploy and maintain the UK’s digital infrastructure.

Published 17 May 2016