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Written question asked by Lord Clement-Jones (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 20 May 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 4 June 2025. It was answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch (Labour) on Wednesday, 4 June 2025 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Telecommunications: Infrastructure

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the number of land access disputes between access seekers and providers in relation to electronic communications networks since the introduction of the Electronic Communications Code; and what action they are taking in relation to increased costs or delays associated with tribunal referrals.

Answer

Government is aware of an increase in applications to the tribunal following the 2017 reforms to the Electronic Communications Code. While Government understands most applications do not proceed to a full hearing, Government is keen that agreements are reached on a consensual basis wherever possible.

The Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022 introduced a requirement for operators to inform landowners of the availability of alternative dispute resolution and to consider using it before issuing legal proceedings. It is hoped that this will encourage more collaborative negotiations between operators and site providers, and reduce costs and litigation.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL7636
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Appeals Costs Land Infrastructure Tribunals Telecommunications
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk