DWF was the exclusive sponsor of the 2024 RICS UK&I Telecoms Conference and the theme, "Future-Ready Property: Innovating Telecommunications Today," highlighted the industry's latest advancements and challenges. The conference is a key event for professionals working in the telecommunications sector.
The first session of the day was led by Robert Franks from WM5G, who highlighted the transformative potential of 5G in sectors such as transport, manufacturing and healthcare. One of the key talking points was that WM5G has pioneered partnerships to accelerate 5G rollout, demonstrating significant benefits in early bowel cancer diagnosis through trials. The technology enables remote monitoring, early diagnosis, and improved treatment, addressing long waiting lists and health inequalities. By focusing on wellness and preventative care, 5G enhances the capacity and flow within healthcare systems. These advancements are part of WM5G's broader mission to leverage connectivity for better services and economic growth.
The next session, "Digital Champions & Boosting Local Connectivity" showcased efforts by Digital Champions across the UK in creating digital strategies and collaborating with telecoms industry voices. Jesam Eyong from DSIT chaired the session which featured insights from Judith Ferrarin (WM5G), Heather Clark (City of Wolverhampton Council), Freyja Lockwood (West of England Combined Authority) and John Duncan (Greater Manchester Combined Authority). The panel emphasized the importance of collaboration and strategic planning in overcoming barriers to digital transformation and discussed successes, setbacks, and steps to strengthen relationships and enhance local connectivity.
The afternoon session began with an update from the National Connectivity Alliance (NCA), a collaborative body that unites stakeholders from the telecoms industry to discuss mutual interests, enhance collaboration, and share best practices. During the panel discussion, Catherine Haslam (Partner at DWF), who chairs the NCA Mobile Working Group, shared insights into the group's efforts in developing guidance notes on various contentious topics within lease negotiations. These notes aim to provide a balanced perspective, incorporating views from both site providers and operators. Catherine emphasised the importance of these guidance notes in fostering understanding and collaboration within the telecoms industry, ultimately contributing to more effective and harmonious operations. A note on site provider's costs and expenses has already been published with further notes on lift and shift and alienation in progress, and more to follow. The group places a strong emphasis on enhancing collaboration and understanding within the industry, ultimately aiming to improve digital connectivity across the UK.
The final session of the day was a panel discussion chaired by Jonathan Stevenson-Paul of Arqiva looking at the issue of 'forced site moves'. This brought together experts with some differing views: Elaine French (Commercial Property Expert), Ian Thornton-Kemsley (Galbraith), Philip MacCabe (Cluttons) and Steve Sladdin (Dot Surveying). The debate was lively and offered valuable insights into valuation and perspectives of each party to such negotiations. The subject of redevelopment was discussed, and how, from a landlord's perspective, the potential for redevelopment could impact valuation. Discussions also turned to the negotiation of redevelopment break options, and how telecoms leases should or should not mirror other commercial leases seen in different sectors. The pros and cons of each argument were explored, and the session proved to be a very engaging and comprehensive consideration of the challenges and opportunities at telecoms sites.
The RICS UK&I Telecoms Conference 2024 brought together stakeholders from across the industry to share knowledge and engage with one another, so we are all able to feel more equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities collaboratively and sustainably.
If you find telecoms interesting, or you work in the sector, we would encourage you to attend next year's RICS UK&I Telecoms Conference.
We have worked in the tech, media and communications sectors for decades and have partnered with organisations in areas such as commercial and legal operations, employment, insurance, property and M&A.
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We would like to thank Amy Underhill for her contribution to this article.
