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Electronic Communications Code

As telecommunications operators continue to expand networks across the United Kingdom to boost digital infrastructure and generate further investment toward digital connectivity, our team offers pragmatic advice with specialist industry knowledge based on our unique experience acting for both private and public sector landowners, as well as telecommunications companies.

The powers afforded to telecommunications operators under the Electronic Communications Code (the ‘Code’) are wide ranging, stemming from a suite of statutory rights that can override the established property rights of landowners. Whether you are an operator or a landowner, ensuring that you take specialist tailored legal advice at each stage of the Code process will help to achieve your desired outcomes.

Our specialist team understands the commercial and political factors underpinning telecommunications transactions, which alongside our experience with the Code and other relevant regulatory and legislative frameworks, enables us to achieve quick and successful resolution of the legal issues surrounding telecoms transactions and obtain the best deal available for our clients.

We provide our clients with advice, guidance and strategy on key issues such as:

Key Contacts

Work highlights

  • Advising a central government body in connection with a subsisting agreement and the rights and remedies available to it in the context of an operator seeking to upgrade/alter telecoms equipment on a government building in Central London.
  • Advising a telecommunications operator on the rollout of a fibre broadband project across a residential area, including land referencing audits and negotiating Code agreements.
  • Acting on behalf of a company to provide operational advice on Telecommunications Code provisions owing to site access requests by telecommunications companies.
  • Acting for a local authority to advise on telecommunications lease variations, renewals and the service of termination notices concerning telecommunications masts and equipment on multiple sites.
  • Advising a local authority in connection with the termination and removal of telecommunications apparatus to facilitate the redevelopment of the rooftop of a residential block.
  • Advising a local authority client on the correct statutory procedure to follow for termination (1954 Act vs Code), serving termination notices and dealing with statutory extensions, advising on consequences of termination and assisting with the negotiation of new Code agreements with various operators at alternative sites.
  • Acting for a residential management company to advise on representations made to a local planning authority with a view to arguing against an application for permitted development.
  • Advising a pension fund on transitionary legislation provisions regarding a telecommunications mast and negotiating a Code-compliant agreement.

The Government (whoever that may be post-4 July) will undoubtedly still encourage and promote, via the planning system, the wireless infrastructure agenda for the UK. Lots of us want and rely on this technology, yet the siting and installation of the masts and equipment required to support the system still raises objections. Most of the…

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To find out how we can help you, please contact us today