Guidance
Digital Economy Bill Part 2: Digital Infrastructure
Part 2 of the Digital Economy Bill concerns digital infrastructure, including reforms to the electronic communications code
Documents
Details
Part 2 of the bill will:
- reform the Electronic Communications Code, to deliver better coverage in rural areas through greater investment and faster rollout of mobile and broadband infrastructure across the United Kingdom
- bolster major reforms to the rights that communications providers have to acquire land - moving to a “no scheme” valuation system more akin the regime enjoyed by utility providers
- protect landowners, strengthening the “access principle” and requiring communication providers to pass a public interest test
- clarify roles and responsibilities for all parties that use the Code, helping commercial agreements to be reached more easily and disputes resolved more quickly
- make it easier for digital communications companies to upgrade and share their equipment and get faster access to maintain sites
- introduce powers for Ofcom to use new technologies to better manage spectrum without radio interference and facilitate more sharing opportunities enable relaxations for installing broadband cabinets, overhead lines and poles in all areas except Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) introduced in 2013 for a period of five years to be made permanent