Electronic Communications Code welcome but more time for scrutiny needed, says Countryside Alliance

The Countryside Alliance welcomes the inclusion of a new Electronic Communications Code (ECC) in the Infrastructure Bill currently being debated by Parliament, but urges the Government to allow more time for scrutiny of the Bill.

The ECC regulates agreements between landowners and communications companies regarding the location and installation of telecoms masts and other infrastructure, and access to these structures. We have in the past called for the ECC's review as it had become out of step with new technology.

The Countryside Alliance believes changes to the ECC could improve mobile phone reception and superfast broadband in rural areas. However, we are concerned that this 60-page addition to the Infrastructure Bill has been introduced at such a late stage, leaving little time for proper scrutiny by parliamentarians, the industry or land owners.

Barney White-Spunner, executive chairman of the Countryside Alliance, said: "Changes to the regulations that could improve digital communications in the countryside, such as the sharing of mobile phone masts and powers to address excessive rental charges where infrastructure is based on private property, are very welcome. But we regret that the amendments have been introduced at such short notice and with inadequate time for proper scrutiny.

"We call on the Government to provide additional time for telecoms companies, land owners and Parliament to scrutinise the proposed code to ensure it is fit for purpose and fair."

For further information, contact the Countryside Alliance head of media Charlotte Cooper on 07500 834163 or [email protected]