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<p>The Government’s Barrier Busting Task Force (BBTF) was set up within DCMS towards
the end of 2017. Its key objective is to identify and address the barriers preventing
the fast, efficient and cost-effective deployment of gigabit-capable broadband and
improved mobile coverage, including next generation 5G technology.</p><p>The team
liaises with stakeholders from across the industry, including landowner representatives,
to identify any barriers which could adversely impact rollout. It has recently identified
and worked in the following areas:</p><p><strong>Electronic Communications Code</strong></p><p>In
January 2021, the BBTF team consulted on changes to the Electronic Communications
Code, which resulted in the Government bringing forward measures in the Product Security
and Telecommunications Infrastructure Bill, which completed its parliamentary passage
last week.</p><p>Measures in the Bill which will specifically assist telecoms operators
providing broadband services include an increased ability to upgrade and share the
existing duct and pole network and a procedure to deal with non-responsive landowners.
This is in addition to the Telecommunications Infrastructure (Leasehold Property)
Act 2021, which is due to come into force at the end of the year and will make it
easier for broadband operators to install in multiple dwelling units where the landlord
is repeatedly unresponsive to requests for access.</p><p><strong>New Build Connectivity</strong></p><p>One
of the barriers we identified to the roll out of gigabit broadband coverage was the
lack of deployment of broadband networks to new homes. In September we laid the Building
etc. (Amendment) (England) (No. 2) Regulations 2022 which come into force on 26 December
2022. These make it mandatory for developers to install gigabit-ready infrastructure
and, where it can be done within a £2,000 cost cap, a gigabit-capable connection in
each dwelling.</p><p><strong>Streetworks</strong></p><p>The BBTF has worked with the
Department for Transport (DfT) to make street works for the rollout of broadband more
simple and cost-effective. This has involved amending guidance, such as the Specification
for the Reinstatement of Openings in Highways to allow more innovative technologies
to be used. DfT has also introduced Street Manager, a digital service to streamline
processes across highways authorities, who authorise and coordinate streetworks in
England and Wales. In addition, the team encourages collaboration between broadband
companies and highways authorities, publishing the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/framework-for-uk-fibre-delivery-street-works"
target="_blank">Street Works Toolkit</a> in 2018. The Toolkit sets out best practice
for highways authorities and telecoms companies to work together as efficiently as
possible.</p><p><strong>Local Authorities </strong></p><p>The BBTF has published guidance
through the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/digital-connectivity-portal" target="_blank">Digital
Connectivity Portal</a>. The Portal provides practical information for local authorities,
for instance on debunking myths around 5G, on the application of legislation such
as the Electronic Communications Code and planning regulations, and on creating an
effective digital strategy to facilitate telecoms deployment. The Task Force also
regularly facilitates meetings and workshops between local authorities and the telecoms
industry, aimed at increasing understanding of the importance of digital connectivity
to local communities, as well as the practicalities around its deployment.</p><p><strong>Investment</strong></p><p>In
the 2017 Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review, DCMS stated its intention for regulation
of the sector, which would provide long term stability and certainty, creating a market
where operators were willing to invest. This was followed by the 2019 Statement of
Strategic Priorities for Ofcom, which implemented the strategy set out in 2019. This
has helped deliver significant investment in gigabit-capable networks and an increase
in the number of operators rolling out gigabit services.</p>
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