All parties with interest in hosting telecommunications invited

It is three years since the new Electronic Communications Code (ECC) became law in the UK, changing the rights given to telecoms operators and triggering a period of great uncertainty while operators and landowners tried to understand the new regime and its implications for telecoms sites.

Changes to the code are being consulted on.  NFU Scotland is hosting an online event in response to the issues being faced by farmers that are related to the ECC and to support members in responding to the open UK consultation (which closes on 24 March).

The webinar will be held on Thursday 11 March, from 19:00 – 20:15, on Zoom - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_z684hwu1RLi-vuKtZWijuA  

Attending will be guest speakers Kate Russell, Central Association of Agricultural Valuers, and Ian Thornton-Kemsley, Independent Consultant. Kate will set the scene on the ECC and provide a policy overview and Ian will provide more detail from the Scottish perspective based on his extensive practical experience.  

Chair of NFU Scotland’s Legal and Technical committee, Tom French, will also be in the chair for the webinar.  

He added: “We know that the Code isn’t working for many telecoms site providers. It is currently under review and all members, who are current or future site providers for telecoms apparatus are encouraged to attend to learn more about the ECC and the open government consultation.

“At the time of the last Code reforms, NFU Scotland wrote to the Minister for Digital and the Creative Industries to highlight that the proposals failed to protect site providers’ interests, favouring instead the telecoms operators.

“Our fears have been realised and it is important that individual vital site providers respond to the current consultation exploring further reform and having their say.

“Improved operator interactions with landowners, farmers and crofters will be fundamental to ensuring rural businesses and communities can thrive and reap the benefits of an improved telecoms network.”  

Notes for Editors

• Questions are invited before the event and can be emailed to zoe.meldrum@nfus.org.uk in advance.  There will be a Q&A session on the night.
• The webinar is open to all members and the media.  Those who currently or plan to host telecoms apparatus will find it particularly beneficial.  On attending the event, members will be more informed about the Code, its implications and will be more confident in responding to the open UK government consultation. 
• The consultation information for members is available here: https://www.nfus.org.uk/nfuscontent/consultations/17249/access-to-land-consultation-on-changes-to-the-electronic-communications-code.  If members would like to contribute to the NFUS submission, the deadline is 17 March and responses can be sent to zoe.meldrum@nfus.org.uk.
  

Ends

Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006