Telecoms

The UK government sees digital connectivity as an essential infrastructure that is key to the success of the economy.

In recent years, emphasis has been placed on modernising telecoms infrastructure, notably through:

• the expansion of high-speed fibre-optic networks aimed at delivering faster and more reliable internet connections
• the rollout of 5G and
• improving coverage in remote and hard-to-reach locations.

Many telecoms sites are visible and commonplace. But apparatus can also be buried (fibre), suspended (telegraph poles) or within buildings (shopping centres). 

This section looks at the different types of communications sites and apparatus, including their installation, upgrade and renewal. It also examines legislation in the industry, including town and country planning and the Electronic Communications Code. The role of Code operators and site providers is discussed, as is the role of Ofcom.

This section is maintained by Paul Williams of Carter Jonas.

RICS standards: Surveyors advising in respect of the Electronic Communications Code

isurv section: Valuation: telecoms

isurv section: Environmental and energy infrastructure