Our specialist telecoms team, led by Justine Ball, provides expert guidance to landowners and site providers on all aspects of both contentious and non-contentious telecoms matters within the real estate sector. We have a wealth of experience in navigating the complexities of telecoms law and are here to help you manage your telecoms assets effectively.
We regularly advise clients on the applicability and implications of the Electronic Communications Code, commonly referred to as the Telecoms Code, as it applies to their land or buildings. Whether it’s a telecoms mast, apparatus, or cabling situated on or beneath your property, our team can assist in managing these assets efficiently while avoiding technical jargon.
Our approach is straightforward: we aim to simplify the often complex and technical statutory regimes that govern telecoms installations. We offer clear, practical advice that aligns with your business objectives, ensuring that your interests are protected and optimised. From negotiating telecoms leases and wayleave agreements to handling rent reviews, renewals, and disputes, we work closely with you to achieve your desired outcomes.
By partnering with us, you gain dedicated technical advisors who can assist with all telecoms-related legal matters, from navigating access requests by operators to seeking the removal or relocation of apparatus to facilitate development opportunities. Our team ensures that you are always equipped with commercial and strategic advice tailored to your specific needs, making this intricate area of law easier to understand and manage.
Specialising in Telecoms law
Telecommunications leases and wayleaves
We provide comprehensive advice on all aspects of telecommunications leases and wayleave agreements, ensuring that landowners fully understand their rights and obligations. Our team ensures that agreements are compliant with the latest legislation while securing the most advantageous terms possible. This includes reviewing and negotiating lease terms, rental agreements, and rights of access to maximise value and minimise risk for our clients. Whether drafting new contracts or reviewing existing ones, we work to ensure landowners are well-positioned to benefit from their telecoms assets.
Operator access requests
We provide comprehensive guidance on managing access requests from telecoms operators seeking to install equipment on your land. Our team ensures that all legal rights and protections are upheld, helping you navigate complex regulations under the Telecoms Code. We focus on securing favourable terms for you while safeguarding your interests, ensuring that any agreements comply with both legal standards and your long-term property management goals.
Telecoms portfolio management
We offer expert oversight and management of portfolios that include land and buildings housing telecom masts. Our services cover everything from negotiating and maintaining lease agreements to handling ongoing maintenance and managing tenant relationships. By ensuring compliance with telecom regulations and protecting your property interests, we help maximise the value of your telecom assets while minimising potential risks and disputes.
Rent reviews
We review telecoms agreements, offering expert advice on rent reviews to ensure you receive fair market value. Our team will assess current market conditions and take the necessary steps to activate rent reviews, helping you maximise revenue from your telecom assets.
Telecoms agreement renewals and negotiations
We assist with the renewal of existing telecoms agreements, ensuring terms remain competitive and beneficial for our clients. Additionally, we negotiate new agreements, focusing on securing favourable terms that align with your business objectives, while ensuring full compliance with the Telecoms Code and industry standards.
Relocation negotiations
We assist landowners in negotiating or compelling the relocation of telecoms apparatus to unlock development opportunities while minimising disruption. By carefully navigating the Telecoms Code, we ensure that landowners can proceed with their property plans without hindrance from existing telecoms installations, all while securing fair compensation and protecting their long-term development interests.
Apparatus removal
We help landowners with the removal of telecoms apparatus from their land or buildings, whether to allow new development projects or to terminate unwanted agreements. Our team navigates the complexities of the Telecoms Code and relevant legislation to advocate for your interests. We ensure that the removal process is handled efficiently and legally, minimising disruption while maximising your property’s potential.
Telecoms dispute resolution
We represent clients in the Tribunal for a range of telecoms disputes, effectively defending or contesting the renewal of telecoms agreements. Our expertise extends to handling interim agreements, multi-skilled visit requests, and applications for terminating agreements under Part 5 of the Telecoms Code. Additionally, we advocate for the removal of apparatus under Part 6, ensuring our clients’ rights are protected throughout the legal process.
Why choose Shakespeare Martineau?
- Our team offer prompt and professional service, whether through in-person meetings or virtual consultations, you can trust that our advice will be timely and professional, helping you feel confident in your legal matters, every step of the way
- We provide advice that is not only pragmatic and quick but also easy to understand. Every lawyer in our firm is approachable, helpful, and committed to offering reliable legal solutions, making the process straightforward for clients
- Our clear and easily understandable approach has kept clients coming back for years, knowing they can depend on us for comprehensive legal support time and time again
- Our clients regularly highlight the exceptional expertise and professionalism of our lawyers. Our team cares deeply about every aspect of your case, ensuring you receive a thorough and attentive service
Tailored telecoms legal solutions
We collaborate closely with telecoms experts and specialist surveyors skilled in valuation, expert evidence, and site management to provide you with tailored, efficient advice. By combining legal expertise with industry-specific knowledge, we ensure you receive the most effective support, addressing your unique needs and delivering practical, results-driven solutions.
Top-ranked telecoms legal expertise
Our telecoms team is highly regarded in the industry, with recognition in the legal directories Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners for our expertise in telecoms work. These reflect our commitment to delivering exceptional advice and support, earning the trust of clients and peers in this specialist field.
Expert telecoms support for landowners
Our expert telecoms team is dedicated to working exclusively with landowners and site providers, delivering bespoke advice in this complex and rapidly changing area of law. We are committed to protecting your proprietary rights and ensuring you are fully supported in addressing the challenges and opportunities within the telecoms sector.
Meet our Telecoms team
Gary Ekpenyoung
Partner
Justine Ball
Partner
Martin Edwards
Partner
James Fownes
Partner
Vanessa Joll
Partner
Bukola Obadun-Craigs
Partner
Pia Eames
Legal Director
Habib Khan
Associate
Danielle Sodhi
Team Manager
Building a responsible business
Our commitment to sustainability and social impact
We are an accredited B Corporation that is committed to driving positive change in our communities, minimising our impact on the environment, and ensuring an all inclusive diverse and supportive culture for our people.
Wherever you are on your journey, our Telecoms specialists are here to answer any questions you might have
If you’d like to speak to a member of our team, please fill out the enquiry form. We will aim to reply to your query within 2 hours
Need to talk to someone sooner? You can call use at the number below
Call Us: 0330 024 0333
Telecoms FAQs
The Telecoms Code is a legal framework that governs the rights and obligations of telecom operators when installing and maintaining equipment on private land. It outlines the procedures for obtaining access, managing agreements, and addressing disputes. Understanding its provisions is crucial for landowners to protect their interests.
No, you shouldn’t ignore correspondence from an operator or their agent. Doing so can lead to escalation of the situation. It’s important to seek specialist advice from a solicitor experienced in telecoms matters. They can help you navigate the process effectively and ensure your strategic aims are met.
To negotiate better terms for your telecoms lease, it’s essential to be informed about current market conditions and your rights under the Telecoms Code. Engaging a legal specialist can provide you with tailored advice and strategies to secure favourable terms, including rent reviews and lease renewals.
