The widespread availability of 5G in the UK could be delayed by legal disputes between property owners, local authorities and mobile operators over access to street furniture. Reforms to the Electronic Communications Code (ECC) aimed to reduce the paperwork required for the use of assets such as public lighting to deploy a mobile infrastructure, and operators often complain about limited access. High rents and a complex planning procedure. However, an article in The Guardian claims that the new CCE is too ambiguous regarding access to street furniture and that the lack of guidance has encouraged operators to take legal action if they feel they are suffocating.
UK 5G deployment
A court system designed to resolve disputes has been bypassed and a settlement date before 2020 is not possible. It is argued that this could lead to delays of up to two years. Carriers have often complained about a lack of access to high-rise buildings and street furniture, but have been more vocal about moving closer to 5G. Most of the spectrum used to power these networks has high capacity but short reach, meaning operators have to densify their networks with new poles and micro-infrastructure such as small cells. Since 5G is a critical business application, a reliable network is essential. BT has called on local governments to grant access to street furniture fairly and equitably, arguing that the current model of exclusive deals is holding back investment and could slow down 5G rollouts. Under the current model, mobile operators have contracts with local authorities to obtain exclusive rights to deploy micro-infrastructures, such as small cells, in furniture such as lampposts and bus shelters. Any other operator wishing to use these assets must pay a wholesale fee to the holder of the exclusive rights. BT is willing to forgo the new exclusive agreement put in place to facilitate the switch and believes that the boards should charge a flat "low cost" fee to any operator wishing to access the internet. through the caretaker