Infralink, set up by the Scottish Futures Trust , to help build partnerships between public bodies, mobile networks and communities, and to develop initiatives to smooth the processes to improving mobile connectivity has launched a new consultation.

The consultation seeks to consult and gain feedback on Infralink’s Standard Leases and Payment Guidance which was published in March 2021. Specifically the consultation invites feedback on:

• Whether Infralink has struck the right balance between landlord control and promoting connectivity in the leases
• How suitable are the suggested figures in the payment guidance
• Whether the leases and guidance have been used in practice

Amendments will be made to the documents based on there being either a body of consensus or evidence, bearing in mind the principles of Infralink about providing a balanced starting point that promotes engagement and connectivity in Scotland. A summary report setting out Infralink’s responses to the consultation will be produced in conjunction with the updated documents.

Timescales

The consultation is live and will conclude on 28 January 2022.

Thereafter Infralink will publish a summary report on the feedback and update the standardised documents accordingly by 31 March 2022.

Click here for a link to the consultation.

Further information on Standard Leases and Payments Guidance

In March 2021, Infralink published a set of Standard Leases and Payment Guidance to be used as a credible option to current practice when a site owner is approached by a mobile operator to put a mobile telecoms mast on their asset. By establishing a balanced and transparent starting point for discussions between potential landlords and tenants, negotiations and deployment can be more efficient and result in improved connectivity in an area. Use of the Infralink Standard Leases and Payment Guidance should be considered a starting point for the transaction in question and adapted accordingly.

For further information about Infralink click here.