Trenches Law Seeks Code Powers from Ofcom to Help UK FTTP Builds
Legal firm Trenches Law, which works with various UK full fibre broadband (FTTP) operators to help them simplify and manage the complex wayleave process (legal land/property access agreements), looks set to expand the features they can offer client networks by seeking Code Powers from Ofcom.
Normally it’s the network builders themselves that seek Code Powers from the regulator, which helps to speed-up deployments of new fibre and cut costs, not least by reducing the number of licenses needed for street works. The powers can also help facilitate access to run their own fibre via Openreach’s existing cable ducts and poles (PIA).
However, it looks like Trenches Law may be taking on a bit more responsibility in the future, which could help to further ease the burden on network builders. We should point out that they’re doing this via the company name Trenches Wayleave Ltd, rather than Trenches Limited.
Advertisement
Extract from the Code Powers Request
The Applicant [Trenches Wayleave] seeks Code powers to facilitate the deployment of a system of infrastructure comprising fibre distribution networks within multi dwelling units (MDUs) and multi business units. The Applicant intends to obtain wayleaves from freeholders, survey the premises and install fibre distribution networks within them with support from contractors.
The Applicant would then assign the wayleaves to other Code operators and allow them to take ownership of the fibre distribution networks, thereby enabling them to extend their fibre to the premises (FTTP) networks into the premises to serve the occupants.
The consultation on all this will remain open until 4th October 2023, but is unlikely to be opposed.
Mark is a professional technology writer, IT consultant and computer engineer from Dorset (England), he also founded ISPreview in 1999 and enjoys analysing the latest telecoms and broadband developments. Find me on X (Twitter), Mastodon, Facebook, BlueSky, Threads.net and Linkedin.
« Telecom Acquisitions ISPs Gain Access to MS3’s UK Fibre Network
Government Softens Stance on UK End to End Encryption Ban »
Isn’t this what ticket touts do? Get in there first, create demand, inflate the price and sell to desperate punters who were late to the game. Maybe I’m misunderstanding the business model?
Much needed – MDUs are proving a nightmare for Altnets & residents are missing out.
Can anyone do this that isn’t an operator? I ask because this could open up the opportunity for many smaller wayleave individuals of providing direct consultancy works?
By the sound of the article, yes. However, anybody that thinks it is a licence to print money will be sorely disappointed. MDUs are difficult to serve, but making them slightly easier to serve but expensive won’t get altnets forming a queue. As described, this only addresses the access rights, in practice there’s a whole load more problems to address.