The Electronic Communications Code Regulations 2003 (the Code) is set out in Schedule 3A of the Communications Act 2003. It includes and describes a set of rights that are designed to facilitate the installation and maintenance of electronic communications networks within the context of the UK. Put simply, the Code confers rights on providers of such networks and on providers of systems of infrastructure to install and maintain apparatus on, under and over land and results in considerably simplified planning procedures.
Furthermore, the Code only has effect in the case of a person to whom it is applied by a direction given by the UK Office of Communications (Ofcom) or, in the case of the Secretary of State or any Northern Ireland department, where the Secretary of State or that department is providing or proposing to provide an electronic communications network.
