Pride is a time to reflect on the progress that’s been made towards LGBT equality and to acknowledge all those who have fought so hard over the years to achieve this. It is also a time for us to acknowledge that there is still so much more to do.

Every time someone dons a rainbow t-shirt and steps out into the street to celebrate Pride, they are making an important political statement whether they are aware of it or not.  Every time a same-sex couple holds hands, a trans person expresses their identity, or a non-binary person requests the use of the correct pronouns, there is a chance that someone else who is struggling with those same feelings will see it, and feel empowered to live as their authentic self.

In our lifetimes we have made significant strides in the fight for equality. Children who were once forced to stay in the closet in school because their teachers couldn’t legally talk to them about their struggles now have inclusive in-school LGBT spaces to meet other like-minded people and allies.

2001 – age of consent for same-sex relations was changed to align with that for opposite-sex relations

2002 – equal rights for same-sex couples applying for adoption

2003 – Repeal of Section 28 (law prohibiting the ‘promotion of homosexuality’ which meant teachers couldn’t talk about it, and many LGBT organisations were forced to close / limit their activities)

2004 – civil partnerships are granted to same-sex couples

2004 – trans people are granted full legal recognition of their appropriate gender

2014 – the first same-sex marriages take place in the UK

2017 – posthumous pardon for all gay and bi men who were convicted in the last century under pernicious sexual offences laws

None of the above would have been possible without Pride events that not only increase the visibility of the inequalities still facing LGBT people, but also raise funds for LGBT charities such as Stonewall.

People are key to success at MBNL as we strive to keep our trailblazing position as a great place to work.  Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) are naturally high on our agenda, more now than ever – and we know we have some opportunities for positive change in this area.

​​​​​​​In our challenge to keep evolving and to keep being an amazing place to work, we need the creativity and strength of every community.  Our colleagues value the diversity of MBNL’s culture, and we are committed to continuing to focus on I&D and looking at where we can grow and learn.

Through our Inclusion & Diversity programme, we are busily working to promote and support Inclusion & Diversity at MBNL.  To celebrate Pride Month and to show our support for the LGBTQ+ community we will be sharing interesting facts and stories about the Pride movement throughout this month so please watch this space.

Acceptance without exception

June is the month chosen to celebrate pride as it was the month of the Stonewall riots, the protests that changed gay rights for a lot of people in America and beyond. It’s about people coming together in love and friendship, to show how far LGBTQ+ rights have come, even if in some places there’s still some work to be done

Pride gatherings and celebrations are rooted in the strenuous history of minority groups who have struggled for decades to overcome prejudice and be accepted for who they are.

Although the majority of Pride events are held in June, there are several other events and celebrations that take place throughout other times of the year.

You can find out more about the history of Pride Month and hear individual stories at these websites:

• Embracing your identity: Celebrating Pride Month 2021
• www.stonewall.org.uk
• LGBT Foundation

On the 29^th April, MBNL successfully hosted its first Strategic Supplier Day dedicated to providing an open forum for MBNL and our operation and deployment partners to discuss and agree on our shared Health and Safety priorities, and how we can now move forward together to achieve our Health and Safety vision and goals for 2021-24. The event marked a key milestone in our Safety Improvement Programme, MBNL’s flagship initiative to drive continuous improvement in Health, Safety and Wellbeing standards and performances across all of our working locations. Our ultimate goal is to create a zero-harm workplace so “Everyone goes home safe and well, every day”.

We were absolutely delighted to have over 70 participants from our partners, our Shareholders, as well as MBNL, participating in the virtual event hosted by Ian Moreton, MBNL’s head of HSEQ.

MBNL’s Chairman, Patrick Binchy, and Interim Managing Director, Gervase King, kicked off the event sharing their passion and commitment to create a zero-harm workplace. Our Deployment Director Charlie Etherington shared some of the challenges and real possibilities we have to achieve that goal. Colleagues from our H&S team gave a comprehensive update on the progress we have made so far on site safety and plans in hand to further enhance our overall performance. Sally Sellers, our Director of H&S, Quality and People, presented our Safety Charter and invited everyone to commit, in principle, to this joint agreement.

As the day progressed our partners joined us in break-out sessions for discussion on what they thought the top Health and Safety issues were, as well as thinking about some of the ways that we could collectively work on resolving those issues. These sessions provided very valuable insight and sets the foundation for us working together to continuously improve our H&S standards and performances going forward.

Speakers at the event

Gervase King

Interim Managing Director, MBNL

Patrick Binchy

Technical Services Director, Three UK, MBNL Chairman

Sally Sellers

Director of H&S, Quality and People, MBNL

Charlie Etherington

Director of Deployment, MBNL

Ian Moreton

Head of H&S, Environment and Quality Management, MBNL

Max Sholl

Senior H&S Manager, MBNL

Adam Simpson

Senior H&S Manager, MBNL

Patrick Binchy, MBNL’s Chairman, said during his keynote at the event: “The Zero-Harm approach has been discussed and agreed at board level and we are absolutely committed to supporting that.”

Sally Sellers, MBNL’s Director for Health & Safety, Quality and People, remarked after the event: “It was fantastic to see that 97% of our partners at the event immediately committed to join us on this exciting journey, and commit to our Safety Charter as an indication of our shared vision.”

Ian Moreton, MBNL’s Head of Health & Safety, Environment and Quality, and host of the event, said: “I know that realising our vision to have a zero-harm workplace for all employees will not happen overnight. It will take a determined and uncompromising effort to achieve our goal. Our partners’ contribution to this process is critical, and we thank everyone across our entire supply chain for their ongoing support and commitment.”

In EE Limited & Hutchison 3G UK Limited v Duncan, the Inner House of the Court of Session (the Scottish appeal court) has provided some welcome guidance on the renewal of existing agreements between mobile network operators and site providers under the Electronic Communications Code (“the Code”).

EE Limited and Hutchison 3G UK Limited (“EE and H3G”) appealed against a decision of the Lands Tribunal for Scotland (“the Tribunal”) dismissing their application for an order to terminate an existing agreement and replace it with a new agreement under the Code, for failure to prove a “business and technical need” (pursuant to paragraph 34(13) of the Code) for the new agreement.

The appeal court accepted EE and H3G’s argument that the Tribunal had set the bar higher than the Code intended, stating:

“…Parliament has identified certain minimum rights for operators, including sharing/upgrading abilities and reduced outlays resulting from valuation on a no scheme basis. The view was taken that these are required if network operators and infrastructure providers are to be in a position to deliver the modern low-cost electronic communications system which Parliament wants and which business and the public at large expect.”

Reflecting on the policy aims of the Code, the appeal court observed that “new code rights would be phased in for existing sites when such agreements ended, with the old code becoming obsolete over time”.

EE and H3G’s appeal was therefore allowed, and the original order of the Tribunal was quashed.

This Scottish appeal court’s decision highlights the aims of the Code regarding the transition of old Code agreements to new Code agreements, and provides much needed clarity on the availability of orders under Paragraph 34 of the Code for assisting all parties in negotiating the renewal of existing agreements.

The significant role of the Code was reflected in the Queen’s Speech for 2021 which set out the commitment from Government to improve connectivity and opportunities around the country with better transport and technology, including the acceleration of 5G mobile and gigabit broadband rollout. The Speech highlighted the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Bill which will aim to accelerate and improve the deployment and use of digital communications networks. A main element of the Bill is reform to the Code to support faster and more collaborative negotiations for the use of private and public land for telecommunications deployment. This is in line with the Government’s intention of its recent consultation on potential changes to the Code and is a very positive step towards the delivery of the UK’s Digital Strategy.

Read the full article by Speed Up Britain

Over the past challenging year, mobile networks have been a lifeline for many in the UK by enabling us to stay connected and stay productive.  Lockdowns and social restrictions have impacted our connections with loved ones and friends, as well as the operations of businesses across the country.  Mobile networks have allowed us to carry on with our daily life throughout the pandemic.  As demands on our mobile networks have grown to new levels, the mobile industry is working hard to redress the balance, seeking to build out networks and provide new technologies like 5G to help communities kick-start their pandemic recovery.

Speed is of the essence.  To accelerate the progress and keep our network build-out rolling, the industry needs to engage with landowners of all shapes and sizes to agree contracts that allow for new infrastructure to be built and for existing infrastructure to be accessed, maintained and upgraded.

Infralink is led by infrastructure experts, the Scottish Futures Trust, and is funded by the Scotland 5G Centre. It has been established to improve the engagement between potential public sector landlords and mobile industry tenants in Scotland.

Infralink is seeking to smooth the process by establishing standardised tools and documentation, including all-important lease agreements for buildings and land across different areas of Scotland, to help all parties start off on a positive footing and accelerate negotiations.

Speed Up Britain and MBNL fully support Infralink’s efforts and will explore opportunities to work more closely with them to make the most of its innovative programme.  Our industry needs this kind of innovation to help maximise the potential from new technologies for bringing better connectivity to every part of the country.

Read Speed Up Britain’s article

Visit Infralink’s official website

As the Government has recently closed a consultation on potential revisions to the Electronic Communications Code (the Code), Patricia Hewitt, the Chair of Speed Up Britain and former Trade and Industry Secretary, shares her opinions in the Yorkshire Post on how a fit-for-purpose Code could accelerate the rollout of 4G and 5G across Yorkshire to support its recovery from the pandemic, and transform the digital futures of communities across the rural heartlands.

5G rollout in rural Yorkshire is vital for our recovery

Patricia Hewitt

With the pandemic receding steadily and post-Covid Britain coming more clearly into view, the big question we all face is how to kick-start the recovery and deliver on the Government’s ambition to create a levelled-up, built-back-better Britain.

The Government has made it clear that a big part of the answer is rolling out better mobile connectivity across the country. It’s investing heavily in 5G and is committed to covering 95 per cent of the UK’s landmass with 4G through the Shared Rural Network.

This £1bn investment in mobile is being split by industry and Government, and should be transformative for rural communities across Yorkshire. And mobile has to be an important part of the solution.

Across the county, low population density – just 76 people per square mile in North Yorkshire versus the English average of 430 – makes the investment needed for fibre extremely expensive for telecoms companies.

That means better mobile is vital in eliminating 4G not-spots and connecting households, businesses and communities so they can reap the benefits of the digital economy.

Operators are hard at work already. EE has already announced upgrades to a range of 4G sites across Yorkshire in 2021, and o2, Three and Vodafone have also announced they will build and share 222 new masts to boost rural coverage this year.

The Government’s 5G plans could also be a gamechanger for these harder-to-reach places – 5G could be 100 times faster than 4G and we know the potential economic prize is massive.

Research carried out by the Centre for Policy Studies (CPS) tells us that if 5G coverage reaches a quarter more of the population than the Government’s current target of 51 per cent, it will produce GDP gains of £41.7bn by 2027.

But we have a problem. The law introduced in 2017 to help make all of this happen – to make it easier for operators and landowners to strike deals that would enable the rollout of new technology – isn’t working.

This law, the Electronic Communications Code (The Code), governs the relationship between operators and the landowners who host network equipment on their property. It grants operators certain rights, including the ability to upgrade, build new sites, and make savings via rent reductions to reinvest in the rural connectivity we so desperately need.

On rent, the idea was partly to redress an imbalance between telecoms infrastructure and other utilities. Rents for telecoms sites were often in the tens of thousands of pounds each year, while the average for an electricity mast is about £150. Ultimately, the higher the rents, the higher the costs passed along to consumers. However, some landowners remain unwilling to make deals with operators because they feel the rent reductions being asked for are too steep.

Our campaign, Speed Up Britain, recognises the impact these rent reductions can have on the smallest landowners. That’s why our members have committed to case-by-case negotiations to try and agree fair deals within the framework of the code.

And despite what some are saying, the numbers on this should be reassuring. The average rental value for sites across the UK has come down by an average 63 per cent, far less than the 90 per cent+ numbers some in opposition to new rollout are suggesting.

The average rental value for sites across the country is still in the thousands of pounds. But landowners still aren’t coming to the table in high enough numbers to deliver the connectivity we need. Despite having more than 30,000 telecoms sites in the UK, since the code was introduced three years ago, fewer than 500 deals have been completed.

This is a major issue. For every individual who receives lower rent for a mast on their land, thousands benefit – the ambulance drivers who have been able to reach families in need through the pandemic, the families who have been kept connected to one another, the small businesses that rely on mobile connectivity to keep going.

Thankfully, we may now have some light at the end of the tunnel.

The Government has recently closed a consultation on potential revisions to the code. In our submission, Speed Up Britain asked the Government to remove the financial incentives that make it pay to slow down progress; we’ve asked for the code to be the only piece of legislation governing the agreements between landowners and operators; and we’ve asked the Government to ensure that operators can share and upgrade sites when they need to.

These quick fixes will make the code fit for purpose. Doing so should solve our issues with 4G and 5G rollout, and transform the digital futures of communities across Yorkshire.

Patricia Hewitt is the Chair of Speed Up Britain and was Trade and Industry Secretary from 2001-05.

Read the original article in The Yorkshire Post.

For more information on Speed Up Britain please visit www.speedupbritain.com.

For more information on the Shared Rural Network Programme, see press releases by EE and Three.

Speed Up Britain, the cross-industry, non-partisan organisation campaigning for better mobile connectivity in every part of the UK, and MBNL, a founding member of the campaign, welcome the Government’s announcement that the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) will begin a consultation on potential changes to the 2017 Electronic Communications Code (“the Code”).  This demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving connectivity in the UK and ensuring that the Code is fit for purpose in order to deliver its digital connectivity targets.  The Code, introduced to regulate the relationship between network operators and site providers who host the network equipment, is not working as intended. Disagreements and lengthy legal proceedings over the set of rights designed to facilitate the installation and maintenance of electronic communications networks is slowing down the process of mobile network build-out needed to rollout 4G and 5G technology across the country.  A recent report by the Centre for Policy Studies (CPS), supported by Speed Up Britain, points out that targeted amendments to the Code could speed up 5G rollout and provide a £41 billion boost to the UK economy by 2027.  Enhanced connectivity is fundamental to the UK’s COVID-19 recovery and reforming the Code is one of the key enablers.

Read Mobile UK’s press release for more details