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<p>My department published a consultation in January 2021 asking whether further reforms
to the Electronic Communications Code are needed in order to ensure the Code provides
the right legislative framework to promote fast, cost effective network provision
across the UK. The consultation covered a range of issues, including matters relating
to negotiations and dispute resolution, rights to upgrade and share apparatus and
problems relating to the renewal of expired agreements.</p><p>This consultation closed
on 24 March 2021. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the possible outcomes
of the consultation at this stage, as responses are being considered. The consultation
response will be published in due course and we will bring legislation forward as
soon as parliamentary time allows.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>The Telecommunications
Infrastructure (Leasehold Property) Act gained Royal Assent in March 2021. This Act
aims to address one stated policy barrier: making it easier for telecoms companies
to access multi-dwelling buildings (such as blocks of flats) where a tenant has requested
a new connection, but the landlord has not responded to requests for access rights.</p><p>The
Act inserts a new Part 4A to the Electronic Communication Code, which provides a process
that telecommunications operators could use to gain code rights to multi-dwelling
premises for a defined period. This only applies where:</p><ul><li><p>a lessee in
occupation in a multi-dwelling building has requested a telecommunications service
from an operator</p></li><li><p>to connect the property the telecoms operator requires
an access agreement with another person such as the landlord</p></li><li><p>the landlord
has not responded to the telecoms operator’s request for access</p></li></ul><p>My
department has also recently launched a consultation, which seeks views on the terms
that will accompany the interim Code rights provided to operators who have successfully
applied for an order made under Part 4A of the Electronic Communications Code. This
consultation closes on Wednesday 4 August. Responses will be considered and the consultation
response will be published in due course.</p><p> </p>
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