The UK government has introduced a series of legislative changes that it says make it easier to make gigabit broadband and 5G coverage available in the UK, while giving Ofcom broader regulatory powers. The package includes provisions to transpose the European Electronic Communications Code into UK law. Although no longer a member state, the UK has played a significant role in the content of the code and the government wants to meet the minimum standards to ensure flexibility in future relations with the EU.
Connectivity in UK
Specifically, Ofcom has been given the power to collect information on commercial fiber deployments so that other providers, and the government, can direct resources to underserved areas. Up to €5 billion of public funds have been earmarked for additional fiber coverage. Ofcom will gain powers to compel providers to share equipment in areas where it is difficult or expensive to install network infrastructure, while the regulator's market review period will be increased from three to five years to encourage investment, additional rights are also included consumer, such as easier switching and better regulation of bundled contracts. In addition, the government has agreed to demands from mobile operators to reform mast planning laws. Operators will be able to build taller masts and add more equipment. This will improve coverage and facilitate infrastructure sharing. The four operators have signed up to the €1 billion ''Shared Rural Network'' initiative that will allow them to share masts in areas of the country that do not have access to the four networks. The aim is to increase full 4G coverage to 95% of the UK landmass by 2025. Operators will also be able to build masts closer to main roads and will also be able to reinforce existing towers. Networks will also be free to build cabinets with a 5G radio kit along with masts without prior approval. "These changes will help direct public funds to hard-to-reach areas that need better broadband," said Matt Warman, Minister for Digital Infrastructure. "It will also help mobile phone companies to ban rural locations by upgrading and sharing their masts." The code for European electronic fees is separate from the UK's Electronic Communications Code (ECC), which is a source of controversy among operators. They say that reforms introduced in 2017 that were intended to facilitate negotiations with landlords are not working as intended and they want them revised.