Overview

This bill mandates that telecommunications companies share their network infrastructure with competitors to improve network coverage, especially in underserved areas. It sets a maximum price for this access and establishes penalties for unreasonable refusal to share. The bill also proposes incentives to enhance mobile service access, particularly in rural areas.

Description

This legislation amends the Communications Act 2003 to legally require operators of electronic communications apparatus to share their equipment with other operators when necessary to ensure consistent network coverage across the UK. This sharing must not exceed the standard market rate for access, determined and published annually by OFCOM (the UK communications regulator).

Penalties

The bill empowers the Secretary of State to introduce regulations that oblige OFCOM to impose penalties on providers who unreasonably refuse to share their apparatus. These regulations will define what constitutes an "unreasonable" refusal and specify the penalties involved, subject to parliamentary approval.

Incentives

Within six months of the bill's enactment, the Secretary of State must present proposals to Parliament outlining incentives for mobile network operators to allow customers of other providers to use their networks where direct apparatus sharing is impossible. These proposals will prioritize improving mobile service access in rural areas.

Consequential Provisions

The Secretary of State may enact further regulations to support the bill's provisions, including the power to modify existing laws.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. However, the cost of creating and enforcing regulations, as well as the potential need for subsidies to support proposed incentives, could entail additional government expenditure. The exact amount is currently undetermined.

Groups Affected

Telecommunications Companies: Will face new obligations to share infrastructure and potentially face penalties for non-compliance. Could also incur costs associated with sharing.
Consumers: May benefit from improved network coverage and potentially reduced prices, particularly in underserved areas.
OFCOM: Will take on the role of enforcing the new regulations and determining the standard market rate for infrastructure sharing.
Rural Communities: Are expected to see the most significant improvements in mobile network access through the incentives in the bill.

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