Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the right of access to buildings for telecoms providers.

The Electronic Communications Code, set out in Schedule 3A to the Communications Act 2003, provides rights for telecommunications operators to access buildings (and other land) to deploy, maintain and upgrade electronic communications apparatus.

Most access agreements are reached on a consensual basis. However, where parties are unable to reach a mutual agreement, the Code provides that either party may ask the Upper Tribunal to impose an agreement.

In response to concerns raised by industry about difficulties accessing multiple-dwelling buildings, the Department is bringing forward the Telecommunications Infrastructure (Leasehold Property) Bill, which will amend the Code to create a new process for operators to gain access rights for multiple-dwelling buildings with unresponsive landlords.