{ "format" : "linked-data-api", "version" : "0.2", "result" : {"_about" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?version=1&hansardHeading=Telecommunications%3A+Infrastructure", "definition" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/meta/answeredquestions.text?version=1&hansardHeading=Telecommunications%3A+Infrastructure", "extendedMetadataVersion" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?_metadata=all&version=1&hansardHeading=Telecommunications%3A+Infrastructure", "first" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?_page=0&version=1&hansardHeading=Telecommunications%3A+Infrastructure", "hasPart" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?version=1&hansardHeading=Telecommunications%3A+Infrastructure", "isPartOf" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?version=1&hansardHeading=Telecommunications%3A+Infrastructure", "items" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1717585", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Science, Innovation and Technology"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1717585/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
I <\/strong>met fixed-line operators on 18 April to discuss the concerns around the deployment of telegraph poles, and to seek commitments from industry. I was reassured by operators that they do not wish to undermine the public confidence in the Government's programme of infrastructure rollout and that they will consider how to improve their working practices around pole placement. I am positive that revisions to the Code of Practice can be delivered by industry, and I will meet with them again in June to understand what progress has been made.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4647", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Julia Lopez"}
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, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Julia Lopez"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-05-20", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
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, "date" : {"_value" : "2024-05-13", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
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], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 19 April 2024 to Question 21525 on Telecommunications: Infrastructure, when she plans to meet with fixed-line operators to discuss concerns.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/298", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Steve McCabe"}
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, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Birmingham, Selly Oak"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Steve McCabe"}
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, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1700949", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Science, Innovation and Technology"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1700949/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " Telegraph poles play an important role in delivering efficient and cost-effective coverage and connectivity to communities, particularly in hard to reach areas without costly and disruptive roadworks, or where existing infrastructure cannot be used.<\/p> <\/p> Permitted development rights allow telegraph poles and lines to be deployed without requiring case-by-case approval from the local planning authority, and we have no plans to introduce legislation to change permitted development rights for telegraph poles.<\/p> <\/p> However, we are aware of the concerns that residents in some parts of the country have about the deployment of telegraph poles. There are existing measures to minimise pole deployment and avoid inappropriate siting, and we are also taking further action to respond to those concerns.<\/p> <\/p> For example, the Electronic Communications Code (Conditions and Restrictions) Regulations 2003 (\u201cthe 2003 Regulations\u201d) set out the legal requirements operators must adhere to.<\/p> <\/p> Already, Local Planning Authorities should be notified 28 days before poles are installed in many circumstances as set out in the 2003 Regulations, and can impose conditions on this installation which operators must adhere to provided that the conditions are reasonable. The 2003 regulations also state that operators should share infrastructure where practicable.<\/p> <\/p> There is also a Code of Practice in place, which provides guidance on ways operators can ensure new installations are placed appropriately, and that local authorities and communities are to be engaged with regarding proposed installations.<\/p> <\/p> Ofcom can take enforcement action in respect of breaches of the restrictions and conditions contained in the 2003 regulations. Ofcom have also stated that they would investigate any cases where poles are sited in a way which is not consistent with the requirements and guidelines in place \u2013 including where they block residents\u2019 drives or where operators systematically fail to engage with local planning authorities\u2019 suggestions. We encourage Local Planning Authorities to make complaints to Ofcom if they feel these criteria apply.<\/p> <\/p> I recently met with Melanie Dawes, CEO of Ofcom, to discuss this, and to explore ways DSIT and Ofcom can work together to raise awareness of statutory roles and responsibilities and ensure better compliance.<\/p> <\/p> I also wrote to all fixed line operators on 14 March, setting out the government\u2019s concerns and emphasising the importance of infrastructure sharing. Specifically, I have asked them to do everything possible to share existing telegraph poles before installing new ones.<\/p> <\/p> Separately, DSIT is considering how revisions to the Cabinet Siting and Pole Siting Code of Practice might be delivered to promote better working practices.<\/p> <\/p> I met interested MPs on Monday 25 March 2024, and I remain keen to hear and understand the concerns shared by MPs and their constituents. I am also meeting fixed-line operators to discuss these concerns.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4647", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Julia Lopez"}
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, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Julia Lopez"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-04-19", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
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, "date" : {"_value" : "2024-04-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
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], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will bring forward legislative proposals to require broadband companies to gain the consent of (a) the local authority and (b) residents before erecting telephone poles.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/298", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Steve McCabe"}
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, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Steve McCabe"}
], "uin" : "21525"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1699018", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Science, Innovation and Technology"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1699018/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " Openreach has commercial contracts with broadband contractors who access its ducts and poles. These contracts include detailed requirements on how Openreach should be notified of where and when companies will be building fibre. It is ultimately a commercial decision for Openreach to decide how it enforces these contracts.<\/p> <\/p> DSIT has engaged with Ofcom, Openreach, and the Office of the Telecommunications Adjudicator (OTA) to understand the implications of whereabouts compliance for telecoms network resilience. Improving compliance may help to attribute the cause of accidental damage to fibre infrastructure but would not completely prevent accidental damage or stop those intending to cause malicious damage.<\/p> <\/p> DSIT has been informed by Openreach and the OTA that they have worked with communication providers to agree a new approach to improving whereabouts compliance. DSIT is content that no further action is required at this time but will continue to work with Ofcom to monitor the situation in case risks to security and resilience arise in future.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4647", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Julia Lopez"}
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, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-04-16", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
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, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-04-16T08:19:09.633Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
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, "date" : {"_value" : "2024-03-26", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Telecommunications: Infrastructure"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
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], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to protect the UK's network infrastructure, in the context of the adequacy of whereabouts compliance measures.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1446", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Chris Bryant"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Rhondda"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Sir Chris Bryant"}
], "uin" : "20554"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1697468", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Science, Innovation and Technology"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1697468/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " Ofcom is an independent regulator and, as such, does not discuss open cases with the Department. Where there are issues of non-compliance with statutory duties, Ofcom will deal with these cases directly with the operator. If Ofcom were to find, following an investigation, that any operator had failed to comply with its regulatory obligations it would publish that information on its Enforcement Bulletin<\/a>.<\/p> <\/p> I would, however, reiterate that I am aware of ongoing concerns about operator compliance with their duties under the Electronic Communications Code (Conditions and Restrictions) Regulations 2003 (\u201cthe 2003 Regulations\u201d) and particularly about new pole installations.<\/p> I recently met Melanie Dawes, CEO of Ofcom, to discuss this, and to explore ways DSIT and Ofcom can work together to raise awareness of statutory roles and responsibilities and ensure better compliance. This work is being taken forward by officials and I will be monitoring progress.<\/p> I also wrote to all fixed line operators on 14 March, setting out the government\u2019s concerns and emphasising the importance of infrastructure sharing. Specifically, I have asked them to do everything possible to share existing telegraph poles before installing new ones. You can find a copy of the letter here<\/a>.<\/p> The government has already taken steps to support this through measures in the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022 making it easier for operators to upgrade and share the use of existing infrastructure.<\/p>