EE live in first-of-its-kind mobile infrastructure pilot in City of London with Freshwave

• Virgin Media O2 has also signed up to be part of the pilot and will be going live early in 2023
• First outdoor 4G and 5G small cell network in the UK capable of hosting all four mobile network operators from day one – thanks to bespoke solution and centralised radio access network
• Freshwave is delivering the pilot for concession holders Cornerstone

EE mobile users in the City of London can now enjoy enhanced 4G and 5G coverage along Queen Victoria Street thanks to an innovative connectivity pilot led by Freshwave. Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) has also signed up to the pilot and is expected to go live early in 2023.

In busy areas such as city centres, the number of people using mobile devices can create high demand on the macro site serving that area. Outdoor small cells installed at street level process some of that demand themselves, making them ideal for enhancing mobile connectivity in densely populated areas. 5G technology also means networks must be densified and these are the first 5G outdoor small cells to be installed in the City of London. 

Connectivity infrastructure-as-a-service provider Freshwave built new mobile infrastructure in the 10-site pilot to make it shareable and capable of delivering 4G and 5G for all four mobile network operators (MNOs). EE is now live on Freshwave’s neutral host network. A neutral host network is a network sharing infrastructure arrangement facilitated by a third party.

Freshwave designed a bespoke solution for the pilot which means the network can accommodate all four mobile network operators on 4G and 5G from day one with no adjustments to the infrastructure needed – a first for the UK. The solution consists of specially designed wideband antennas, cabinets and columns and large amounts of dark fibre to each cabinet.

This multi-operator outdoor small cell network is the culmination of more than two years of Freshwave’s close collaboration with all four MNOs and other industry partners. The first-of-its-kind network’s shareable infrastructure reduces equipment and infrastructure duplication, making it more cost-effective to deploy, as well as minimising street clutter and the associated disruption during street works.

Shareable infrastructure also reduces the environmental impact, while still bringing street level connectivity for everyone’s benefit. The network uses a centralised radio access network (C-RAN) and by housing multiple pieces of telecoms equipment in accompanying cabinets fewer devices are needed on the street assets themselves. The network uses dark fibre built by wholesale fibre broadband operator Netomnia.

Vodafone will join the pilot in the first quarter of 2023. 

Simon Frumkin, Freshwave’s CEO, said: “We’re delighted to have reached this milestone in the pilot of our truly multi-operator neutral host network. Shared digital infrastructure is the logical evolution in telecoms as cities become more connected and smarter. Companies like Freshwave that deploy using the neutral host model help accelerate this connectivity for everyone as the model is more cost-effective, greener and less disruptive. I’m proud Freshwave are doing what’s right by all parties in this area.”

James Hope, Director of Mobile Radio Access Networks at EE, said: “High capacity, super-fast connectivity is essential for consumers and businesses today, with demand for data and low-latency networks continuing to rise. We’re pleased to be the first operator live on this pilot with Freshwave helping to deliver the best possible 4G and 5G services to our City of London customers, even at the busiest times. The project is a further demonstration of how we’re enhancing our networks to help both digitise and deliver economic prosperity to the UK, and we look forward to extending it in the future.”

Paul Broome, VMO2 London & South-East Trial Manager, said: “With the largest outdoor small cell network of any of the major operators, we’re excited to have signed up for this pilot with Freshwave. Adding extra capacity to our existing legacy solution of over 200 small cells in the City of London will provide further benefit to the ever-increasing data demands of its users. Outdoor small cells provide a flexible solution for boosting network connectivity and we’re looking forward to going live on the network very soon.”

City of London Corporation Streets and Walkways Sub-Committee Chairman, Graham Packham, said: “The City is already a global business hub and this mobile connectivity will play an important part in also helping it become a 24/7 visitor destination. We are continually looking for new ways to increase the City’s appeal for businesses, visitors and residents.”   

Mobile infrastructure services provider Cornerstone holds the concession with the City Corporation and Freshwave is delivering the pilot through this concession.  

Denis Coakley, Cornerstone’s COO, said: “Freshwave is a trusted partner and have made great progress in this pilot, so we’re pleased to welcome the first mobile network operators to the network and pilot with them. We’re excited about the future progress and the benefits it will bring in our long-term partnership with the City of London Corporation.”

Jeremy Chelot, CEO at Netomnia, said: “We’re proud to be working with Freshwave on this pioneering project to improve mobile connectivity in the City. We’re committed to working closely with all our partners on the project to quickly deliver full fibre access with minimal disruption to the local community.”

–Ends-

The National Connectivity Alliance (the NCA), a new alliance of telecommunications and infrastructure providers, landowners, and their collective professional advisers launches today. This alliance brings together these stakeholders to collaborate on areas of mutual interest with the goal of delivering world class connectivity for all in the UK.

Digital connectivity is fundamental to the success of our economy. Communities depend on reliable connections to stay connected; to ensure social inclusion; to enable businesses to embrace digital technology; and, to open up new markets and simplify supply chains.

Building such connectivity requires the complex interchange of many organisations and stakeholders yet these interactions have not always been easy.

Recognising the need to build strong relationships with each other to deliver connectivity to world beating standards, a group of the leading stakeholders from across both telecoms and land industries have come together to form the National Connectivity Alliance.

The Alliance will bring together these stakeholders to work on issues of mutual interest, improve co-operation and to share best practice.

Digital Infrastructure Minister Julia Lopez MP said:

“I welcome the creation of this new alliance, which will bring together industry and landowners to improve negotiations and make sure we are doing everything we can to boost connectivity, productivity and the economy. We continue to support investment in world class connectivity for people across the UK, whether they’re in London, or a village in  the Scottish Highlands.”

Carlos Pierce, National Connectivity Alliance Chair said:

“We are delighted to launch the National Connectivity Alliance today as the only cross industry body regarding access to land. Not only does the NCA demonstrate a necessary collective will from the industry to improve digital connectivity, it will also drive best practice through collaboration and understanding. By encouraging greater education and communication, the NCA will be able to deliver greater awareness of the needs of all in the sector as well as the general public.” 

– END –

Notes to Editors The National Connectivity Alliance involves providers of electronic communications networks and services, owners of infrastructure and land and their professional advisers, and brings together stakeholders from across the industry to work on issues of mutual interest, to improve co-operation and to share best practice.

Members of the National Connectivity Alliance Steering Group:

• Blaser Mills Law
• British Land plc
• British Property Federation
• Carter Jonas
• Cell CM Limited
• Cellnex
• Cluttons
• Community Fibre
• Cornerstone
• Country Land and Business Association
• DWF Law LLP
• Gigaclear
• Law Society
• Mobile Broadband Network Limited
• Mobile UK
• National Farmers Union
• Openreach
• Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP
• Philip Morris FRICS
• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
• Wireless Infrastructure Group

www.ncalliance.org.uk

Today, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons published the Mobile Action Plan for Northern Ireland (MAP NI).

The Mobile Action Plan highlights the actions that need to be taken to deliver the Executive’s digital connectivity ambitions. Via the industry trade-body at MobileUK, Cornerstone provided evidence and information to the cross-sector working group where we established the barriers and potential solutions to the roll-out of mobile technologies, which have been included in the Mobile Action Plan.

Read the full press release here.

MobileUK is calling on the UK Government to fund Digital Champions for local authorities to help coordinate and prioritise digital connectivity to better enable mobile infrastructure deployment and to assist with the Government’s ambitions to address digital exclusion as part of its Levelling Up agenda.
 
The call is made by Mobile UK, the representative body of the UK’s four mobile network operators, EE, Three, Virgin Media O2, and Vodafone, and comes as it publishes a new report highlighting the urgent need for Digital Champions to help coordinate mobile infrastructure rollout. The report calls on the UK Government to fund these roles, recognising the financial restraints of local authorities and the importance of digital connectivity whilst alleviating a lack of awareness and understanding about mobile infrastructure in order to improve resources and smooth the rollout of digital connectivity across the UK. 
 
The report, published on 10 May, entitled Building Mobile Britain: The Case for Local Authority Digital Champions, showcases how local authorities who have already embedded a focused digital strategy are streets ahead of those who have yet to create a plan.
 
The report outlines five minimum key attributes needed for a successful Digital Champion role:

1. Should be fully funded
2. Held at a senior level
3. Have political responsibility (be supported by cabinet-level elected representatives)
4. Have demonstrable skills and experience
5. Focused on tangible outcomes, not outputs.

Commenting on the campaign for Digital Champions, Director of Policy and Communications at Mobile UK, Gareth Elliott says: 
 
“The Government has placed enormous emphasis in its Levelling Up agenda on improving digital connectivity, particularly to reduce digital poverty and exclusion, but to achieve these goals it is important to understand the need to assist local authorities in helping to prioritise and coordinate mobile infrastructure deployment.
 
“Our report highlights the role and dramatic impact a Government-funded Digital Champion can have on a council’s ability to play a positive role in the rollout of digital connectivity and to support the UK realise its goal of 5G rollout.”
 
The report cites research highlighting that where councils have a dedicated and funded Digital Champion, they are four times more likely to deliver a smooth rollout of vital mobile telecommunications infrastructure. The report also explains that without adequate focus and funding the UK will continue to face barriers in meeting its 2030 target for the majority of households to be connected to 5G. 
 
Read the full report here

Notes

• Essex County Council, Glasgow City Council and Wolverhampton City Council are featured as authorities which have taken a robust digital-first approach with demonstrable results on local connectivity and digital inclusion – key focus areas for the Governments Levelling Up whitepaper published earlier this year.
• Also highlighted is West Midlands 5G, the UK’s leading 5G testbed. With a digital strategy to accelerate the rollout of 5G networks and to prove the benefits of 5G WM5G reports that it is the UK’s most connected 5G region
• (Figures quoted in the report in relation to survey statistics are taken from Cluttons / You Gov Report Connecting the UK: Getting the nation gigabit ready report, January 2022).

Glasgow City Council and Cornerstone, the UK’s leading mobile infrastructure services company, are pleased to announce the completion of several Code agreements to help accelerate mobile infrastructure deployment for better digital services throughout the city.

Glasgow City Council is the first authority in Scotland to sign this record number of Code agreements and has set up a framework including legal templates, processes, and pricing to enable the faster and more efficient roll out 4G and 5G networks in the City.

The agreements will enable infrastructure to be installed on grass verge sites adjacent to pavements, avoiding underground services and reducing pavement clutter. The sites will host mobile infrastructure that will help deliver better mobile network coverage and capacity in urban areas. This infrastructure will improve essential digital connectivity for residents, businesses, and communities in the area.

Councillor Angus Millar, Chair of Digital Glasgow, said: “These agreements will enable better mobile and digital services in Glasgow. This collaboration is a Scottish first for Glasgow, allowing quicker and more widespread 4G and 5G, improving connectivity and benefitting businesses and residents across the city.”

“We are delighted to have completed these Code agreements. It showcases how working together with local authorities can help provide the public and businesses with better access to mobile services and technologies.” Belinda Fawcett, Director of Property & Estates and General Counsel, Cornerstone.

“Digital connectivity is vital to supporting our economy and connecting our communities. Glasgow City Council Telecoms Unit welcomes this investment in the City by Cornerstone and their customers. We’re also delighted to see our new processes and templates in action enabling improved engagement with operators and efficient rollout of digital infrastructure.” Theresa Searle, Telecoms unit Manager, Digital Economy, Glasgow City Council.

Sean McHenry, National Planning and Community Manager at Cornerstone provides a fascinating insight into the world of National Planning.

Can you introduce the Cornerstone planning department?

The Planning Department at Cornerstone manage all the town planning activities and act as an in-house consultancy providing guidance on Town Planning matters. This includes providing advice on site identification and design or acting as Expert Witness at Tribunal. We establish processes and manuals on how we and our suppliers work and handle site-specific consultations with various stakeholders such as Government, Local Authorities, or elected representatives. We also manage the submission of the various types of applications and appeals. We are involved in various types of Planning reform associated with telecoms infrastructure deployment including providing subject matter expert advice to our customers, Government Relations departments, and the industry trade-body at MobileUK. This often involves working directly with the central and devolved Government as major stakeholder consultees in the writing of new planning legislation, supplementary guidance, and policy. The Planning Department carries out most of the publicly accessible work and deals with the public, their representatives, and public organisations.

What is the process for planning permission in Cornerstone?

For a new build site, planning guidance should be at the very earliest stage. Here, the planning agent can advise on sensitive designations or local amenity issues. This gets fed into a site finders report (SFR) and assists in the most appropriate siting option for progression. Post nomination, there will be a multi-skilled visit (MSV) (A site visit to determine if the site is suitable to host our mobile infrastructure).

From this MSV, drawings will be created for the proposal. These are sent to local stakeholders such as the Local Planning Authority (LPA), Councillors, schools, MPs, Community Groups, Parish Councils, etc. We will involve the LPA for a pre-application engagement at the earliest stage. If we are doing a large rollout with a single LPA, we will engage with them on a more strategic level, so they can understand the bigger picture before they start to receive numerous site-specific consultation requests.

Post pre-application engagement, we will prepare and submit the application or notification for the LPA. Assuming an application is required (as opposed to a notification to utilise permitted development rights), the LPA must determine whether to approve or refuse consent.

Town Planning seeks to achieve ‘sustainable development’ for the public greater good, and sustainable development is deemed to be a balance of environmental impacts against socio-economic benefit. Different weights are attached to these ‘material considerations’ depending upon policy and local site-specific sensitivities. For this reason, our applications will include site-specific discussion and assessment on these aspects, assessing the proposal against local and national planning policies. The LPA will use this assessment, with the responses from other consultees such as Conservation Officers or the public, to make their final determination.

What happens if we don’t get planning permission for a site build?

If we don’t gain the required consent, we will assess the reasons for refusal. If we can overcome the issues, we will resubmit by providing more information, or make amendments to the siting, height, or design. Often, we will appeal to the Planning Inspectorate – a national Government level third party. Sometimes, it may be impossible to overcome, and in these cases, we will have to cancel the option and nominate a new site.

Do we have different processes set for the different regions?

The UK’s four nations – England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – all have various nuances in terms of the planning system, legislation, policy and supplementary guidance. However, while we take account of these regional differences, our processes remain aligned.

What is permitted development rights?

Permitted development rights (PDR) is a national grant of planning permission that allows certain building works and changes of use to be carried out without having to make a planning application, as they are deemed as approved in law (the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO).

There are two different types of PDR – with and without ‘prior approval.’ In cases with prior approval, an application is still required to the Local Planning Authority (LPA). The principle of the development is established in law, and determination can be made on siting and appearance only. There is a statutory 56-day (28 days for some rooftop development in protected areas in Scotland) deadline for determination, though this can be extended by agreement between the parties to mitigate issues and find mutual solutions. If the LPA does not decide within that statutory period, then we are granted ‘lawful deemed consent’ by legal default.

In cases where we have permitted development without prior approval there is no need to submit an application to the LPA. We simply must submit a notification letter to the LPAs detailing our intention to utilise PDRs and detailing what the proposal is. After that, we can go on to site and build within 28 days of the notification letter.

Given we have such rights we must apply them reasonably and responsibly by taking account of local sensitivities and follow best practice commitments.

Cornerstone has been engaging with central and devolved governments over the past number of years – resulting in the adoption of new PDR in Wales (2019), Northern Ireland (Dec 2020) and Scotland (April 2021). These are all positive reforms to help promote deployment of our infrastructure. We have also worked with the Welsh Government to deliver a new Welsh Code of Best Practice (March 2021) and are currently engaging with the UK Government on a new English Code of Practice to be adopted in parallel with the new English PDRs in late Autumn. These reforms will have a significant benefit on our ability to deliver leading-edge connectivity to the UK.

What are Cornerstone’s best practices in getting planning permission?

Cornerstone’s best practice commitments are established in the Code of Best Practice (CoBP) – each UK nation has a slight variation of this, and this CoBP is in the process of review with the Government.

Siting/design best practice commitments include elements such as:

• using existing sites
• site sharing to reduce proliferation
• minimising impact upon sensitive heritage assets
• minimising the impact on sensitive landscapes
• respecting residential amenity
• minimising street scene impact
• reducing contrast by utilising appropriate colouring in design etc.

We apply these principles pragmatically on a site-specific basis.

So, as you can tell, planning mobile infrastructure follows a very thorough, robust process involving lots of different stakeholders and community who together, enable Cornerstone to deliver the mobile connectivity we depend on.

Patricia Hewitt, the former Trade and Industry Secretary and now chair of the telecommunications cross-industry organisation, Speed Up Britain, recently put forward the case for the Electronic Communications Code (The Code) in a Yorkshire Post column. Patricia commented that the only piece of legislation governing the agreements between landowners and operators should be The Code. This will help speed up connectivity improvements and help eliminate 4g not-spots.

You can read the full extract from the column below.

5G rollout in rural Yorkshire is vital for our recovery – Patricia Hewitt

With the pandemic receding steadily and post-Covid Britain coming more clearly into view, the big question we all face is how to kick-start the recovery and deliver on the Government’s ambition to create a levelled-up, built-back-better Britain.

The Government has made it clear that a big part of the answer is rolling out better mobile connectivity across the country. It’s investing heavily in 5G and is committed to covering 95 per cent of the UK’s landmass with 4G through the Shared Rural Network.

This £1bn investment in mobile is being split by industry and Government and should be transformative for rural communities across Yorkshire. And mobile has to be an important part of the solution.

Across the county, low population density – just 76 people per square mile in North Yorkshire versus the English average of 430 – makes the investment needed for fibre extremely expensive for telecoms companies.

That means better mobile is vital in eliminating 4G not-spots and connecting households, businesses and communities so they can reap the benefits of the digital economy.

Operators are hard at work already. EE has already announced upgrades to a range of 4G sites across Yorkshire in 2021, and o2, Three and Vodafone have also announced they will build and share 222 new masts to boost rural coverage this year.

The Government’s 5G plans could also be a gamechanger for these harder-to-reach places – 5G could be 100 times faster than 4G and we know the potential economic prize is massive.

Research carried out by the Centre for Policy Studies (CPS) tells us that if 5G coverage reaches a quarter more of the population than the Government’s current target of 51 per cent, it will produce GDP gains of £41.7bn by 2027.

But we have a problem. The law introduced in 2017 to help make all of this happen – to make it easier for operators and landowners to strike deals that would enable the rollout of new technology – isn’t working.

This law, the Electronic Communications Code (The Code), governs the relationship between operators and the landowners who host network equipment on their property. It grants operators certain rights, including the ability to upgrade, build new sites, and make savings via rent reductions to reinvest in the rural connectivity we so desperately need.

On rent, the idea was partly to redress an imbalance between telecoms infrastructure and other utilities. Rents for telecoms sites were often in the tens of thousands of pounds each year, while the average for an electricity mast is about £150. Ultimately, the higher the rents, the higher the costs passed along to consumers. However, some landowners remain unwilling to make deals with operators because they feel the rent reductions being asked for are too steep.

Our campaign, Speed Up Britain, recognises the impact these rent reductions can have on the smallest landowners. That’s why our members have committed to case-by-case negotiations to try and agree fair deals within the framework of the code.

And despite what some are saying, the numbers on this should be reassuring. The average rental value for sites across the UK has come down by an average 63 per cent, far less than the 90 per cent+ numbers some in opposition to new rollout are suggesting.

The average rental value for sites across the country is still in the thousands of pounds. But landowners still aren’t coming to the table in high enough numbers to deliver the connectivity we need. Despite having more than 30,000 telecoms sites in the UK, since the code was introduced three years ago, fewer than 500 deals have been completed.

This is a major issue. For every individual who receives lower rent for a mast on their land, thousands benefit – the ambulance drivers who have been able to reach families in need through the pandemic, the families who have been kept connected to one another, the small businesses that rely on mobile connectivity to keep going.

Thankfully, we may now have some light at the end of the tunnel.

The Government has recently closed a consultation on potential revisions to the code. In our submission, Speed Up Britain asked the Government to remove the financial incentives that make it pay to slow down progress; we’ve asked for the code to be the only piece of legislation governing the agreements between landowners and operators, and we’ve asked the Government to ensure that operators can share and upgrade sites when they need to.

These quick fixes will make the code fit for purpose. Doing so should solve our issues with 4G and 5G rollout, and transform the digital futures of communities across Yorkshire.

Patricia Hewitt is the Chair of Speed Up Britain and was UK Trade and Industry Secretary from 2001-05.

Article taken from The Yorkshire Post, Monday 12 April 2021 https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/opinion/columnists/5g-rollout-in-rural-yorkshire-is-vital-for-our-recovery-patricia-hewitt-3196418

The demand for reliable mobile coverage continues, even more so during the national lockdown. Working together with industries to deliver telecom services has become even more imperative.

Cornerstone, the leader in UK mobile infrastructure services is committed to providing best in class mobile connectivity across the UK. Our mobile infrastructure helps keep our society well connected by being placed on rooftops, greenfield sites in rural locations and street work sites.

Building stronger connections with our landowner community, who are crucial in helping us roll-out the infrastructure needed for mobile services, enables us to build the mobile networks required for our future.

Our need for digital services is also recognised by the Government. Their ambition to deliver 5G will benefit us with better mobile communications, allowing us to experience new opportunities. To support this drive, Speed Up Britain, an industry-wide campaign, is working with the Government to make it easier and quicker to roll-out and upgrade mobile infrastructure throughout the country.

Join us and support the Speed Up Britain campaign, helping to build mobile networks for our future.

Let’s work together to stay digitally connected.

Find out more on how you can support Speed Up Britain by visiting our dedicated Speed Up Britain page.

Press release

January 27, 2021, London – Speed Up Britain, the cross-industry, non-partisan organisation campaigning for better mobile connectivity in every part of the UK, welcomes today’s announcement that the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) will begin a consultation on potential changes to the 2017 Electronic Communications Code (“the Code”).

The issue

Speed Up Britain believes the Code, introduced to regulate the relationship between network operators and site providers who host the equipment needed for mobile networks, is not working as intended. Disagreements and lengthy legal proceedings over rights designed to facilitate the installation and maintenance of electronic communications networks are slowing down the buildout needed to deliver 4G and 5G technology across the country. In hampering the Government’s ambitious plans in this area, the Code in its current form is putting a huge economic prize at risk.

The Impact

Delays to the rollout of 5G and the Shared Rural Network caused by issues with the Code could cost the country tens of billions of pounds in lost economic output. A recent report by the Centre for Policy Studies (CPS), supported by Speed Up Britain, has warned that if delays continue at their current rate, by 2027 over 11 million households and businesses could be missing out on vital digital connectivity.

The CPS estimates that if 5G coverage reaches a quarter more of the population than the Government’s current target of 51%, it will produce gains of £41.7 billion by 2027. Moreover, the difference between the UK being a leader in 5G adoption or ceding leadership to others could be as much as £173 billion in incremental GDP over the coming decade.

These potential economic benefits should be considered in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which the Bank of England indicates is an “unprecedented economic shock in modern times”. The Office for Budget Responsibility published a downside economic scenario which projects GDP only returns to pre-virus levels by the fourth quarter of 2024¹. It also predicts the UK’s unemployment rate peaks at 11%, with lasting long-term damage to the economy of 6% of GDP.

The Solution

Speed Up Britain believes that targeted changes to the Code will accelerate the process of enabling connectivity improvements. As part of its response to the consultation, the Campaign will ask for amendments to specific provisions in the Code which will remove the financial disincentives to site providers to conclude renewal agreements; remove inconsistencies between different legislative regimes; ensure operators can use the Code to upgrade existing sites; clarify the Code’s intention for the sharing and upgrading of sites; and give equal importance to the conclusion of new site and renewal agreements.

Responding to the government’s announcement on the consultation process, Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt, Speed Up Britain’s Campaign Chair, said:

“Speed Up Britain welcomes this consultation on the Code and the Government’s commitment to improving connectivity in the UK. The Code needs urgent legislative reform to deliver best-in-class connectivity across Britain for the benefit of everyone – industry, landowners, government, and wider society. Small changes to the Code could unlock billions of pounds in our economy, drive the UK’s COVID-19 recovery, and make a real difference to the public, businesses, and local authorities regionally.”

Commenting on the publication of the consultation to update the Code, Hamish MacLeod, Director at Mobile UK, said:

“The Government has set ambitious targets on extending coverage and capacity, and getting the regulatory framework right to enable operators to deploy their networks is essential. We welcome the consultation on the Electronic Communications Code as a vital part of this strategy and stress the importance that legislative change follows on rapidly.”

ENDS

Press release

January 27, 2021, London – Speed Up Britain, the cross-industry, non-partisan organisation campaigning for better mobile connectivity in every part of the UK, welcomes today’s announcement that the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) will begin a consultation on potential changes to the 2017 Electronic Communications Code (“the Code”).

The issue

Speed Up Britain believes the Code, introduced to regulate the relationship between network operators and site providers who host the equipment needed for mobile networks, is not working as intended. Disagreements and lengthy legal proceedings over rights designed to facilitate the installation and maintenance of electronic communications networks are slowing down the buildout needed to deliver 4G and 5G technology across the country. In hampering the Government’s ambitious plans in this area, the Code in its current form is putting a huge economic prize at risk.

The Impact

Delays to the rollout of 5G and the Shared Rural Network caused by issues with the Code could cost the country tens of billions of pounds in lost economic output. A recent report by the Centre for Policy Studies (CPS), supported by Speed Up Britain, has warned that if delays continue at their current rate, by 2027 over 11 million households and businesses could be missing out on vital digital connectivity.

The CPS estimates that if 5G coverage reaches a quarter more of the population than the Government’s current target of 51%, it will produce gains of £41.7 billion by 2027. Moreover, the difference between the UK being a leader in 5G adoption or ceding leadership to others could be as much as £173 billion in incremental GDP over the coming decade.

These potential economic benefits should be considered in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which the Bank of England indicates is an “unprecedented economic shock in modern times”. The Office for Budget Responsibility published a downside economic scenario which projects GDP only returns to pre-virus levels by the fourth quarter of 2024¹. It also predicts the UK’s unemployment rate peaks at 11%, with lasting long-term damage to the economy of 6% of GDP.

The Solution

Speed Up Britain believes that targeted changes to the Code will accelerate the process of enabling connectivity improvements. As part of its response to the consultation, the Campaign will ask for amendments to specific provisions in the Code which will remove the financial disincentives to site providers to conclude renewal agreements; remove inconsistencies between different legislative regimes; ensure operators can use the Code to upgrade existing sites; clarify the Code’s intention for the sharing and upgrading of sites; and give equal importance to the conclusion of new site and renewal agreements.

Responding to the government’s announcement on the consultation process, Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt, Speed Up Britain’s Campaign Chair, said:

“Speed Up Britain welcomes this consultation on the Code and the Government’s commitment to improving connectivity in the UK. The Code needs urgent legislative reform to deliver best-in-class connectivity across Britain for the benefit of everyone – industry, landowners, government, and wider society. Small changes to the Code could unlock billions of pounds in our economy, drive the UK’s COVID-19 recovery, and make a real difference to the public, businesses, and local authorities regionally.”

Commenting on the publication of the consultation to update the Code, Hamish MacLeod, Director at Mobile UK, said:

“The Government has set ambitious targets on extending coverage and capacity, and getting the regulatory framework right to enable operators to deploy their networks is essential. We welcome the consultation on the Electronic Communications Code as a vital part of this strategy and stress the importance that legislative change follows on rapidly.”

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact:

James Melville-Ross: +44 (0) 790 968 4467
Adam Davidson: +44 (0) 779 384 5080
contact@speedupbritain.com

About Speed Up Britain

Speed Up Britain is a cross-industry, non-partisan organisation, campaigning for better mobile connectivity in every part of the UK.

Speed Up Britain was founded by Cellnex, Corner

For media enquiries please contact:

James Melville-Ross: +44 (0) 790 968 4467
Adam Davidson: +44 (0) 779 384 5080
contact@speedupbritain.com

About Speed Up Britain

Speed Up Britain is a cross-industry, non-partisan organisation, campaigning for better mobile connectivity in every part of the UK.

Speed Up Britain was founded by Cellnex, Cornerstone, MBNL and Mobile UK, organisations committed to delivering the infrastructure necessary to meet demand for future mobile connectivity but who are frustrated by blockages in the system of securing access agreements under the Electronic Communications Code 2017. The Campaign is also supported by Atlas Towers Group, Britannia Towers, DMSL and Ulstercom.

The campaign is chaired by Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt, the former Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (2001-2005) and Member of Parliament for Leicester West between 1997 and 2010.

Find out more at www.speedupbritain.com

View the DCMS consultation here.

¹ https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-8866/