Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the provisions of the Electronic Communications Code (Conditions and Restrictions) 2003 and The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 governing planning permission to expand Fibre to the Premises broadband for designated communications network operators and to the length of notice such operators must give to the Local Planning Authority for the erection and siting of telegraph poles and excavation of pavements, what assessment she has made of the consequences for those provisions and notice of the (a) disruption to residents and (b) permanent effects of new telegraph poles; and if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of (i) limiting the number of times new cable can be laid in the same street by different operators and (ii) giving residents a right to consultation over erection of telegraph poles.

Access to digital services is increasingly important to businesses and consumers throughout the UK. The Government is committed to ensuring the right legislative framework is in place to ensure that there is a competitive broadband market and ensure that everyone receives the connectivity they need at a price which is affordable. At the same time, we recognise that the framework must take into account any effects on the local community.

Operators are given statutory rights to carry out streetworks and install apparatus on or below a street or road under Part 8 of the Electronic Communications Code. In addition, the Electronic Communications Code (Conditions and Restrictions) Regulations 2003 set out the circumstances where lines can be installed above ground and what the notice requirements are for doing so. Finally, operators are required to seek permission to carry out this work from the local highway authority and should also follow the Cabinet Siting and Pole Siting Code of Practice, a copy of which is here. Together these measures ensure that telegraph poles are placed appropriately, and local authorities and communities are engaged prior to their installation.

The Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act, which received Royal Assent on 6 December 2022, includes provisions which make it easier for operators to share existing infrastructure, including underground ducts. This should help reduce the need for future new pole installations, reduce the costs of providing new services and encourage competition within the market. The Government will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the measures and compliance by operators with the measures set out above.