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Trenches Law and toob join forces to accelerate network roll-out

Full-fibre broadband provider toob has appointed Trenches Law as its telecoms law partner, to accelerate the roll-out of its £8m network in the Surrey towns of Camberley and Frimley.

The news follows hot on the heels of the operator’s announcement that build activity is due to begin in Spring 2021, to provide 900 Mbps connectivity to more than 20,000 premises in the area.

The duo will work together to manage the notoriously complex wayleave process, so that this ambitious roll-out can be completed by the end of 2022.

With decades of combined experience in the telecommunications sector, Trenches Law will coordinate dialogue between the Land Registry, local authorities, freeholders, property owners and toob, to ensure the necessary permissions are smoothly obtained to install and maintain network apparatus.

And with new towns and cities being added to the roadmap each month, Trenches Law’s recently-launched automation system – designed to investigate, create and distribute thousands of wayleaves per week – will heighten efficiencies as the network extension gathers pace.

Commenting on the collaboration, Trenches Law’s Wayleave Manager, Katie Fosten, said: “Wayleaves never leave the industry’s headlines, which only goes to show the difficulties they cause. However, with the right expertise, contacts, and dialogue with local communities, even complex network projects can advance at pace.

“What toob is trying to achieve in Surrey is really exciting, and will benefit residents, businesses and property owners alike.”

Trenches Law’s Head of Wayleave Georgina Rudak added: “This industry is one that thrives when different stakeholders work together, towards the overall goal of achieving gigabit-capable coverage nationally.

“Only a couple of weeks ago, the Telecommunications Infrastructure (Leasehold Property) Bill completed its passage through Parliament. Once implemented, the Bill will amend the Electronic Communications Code to make it easier for telecoms operators to access multi-dwelling buildings where a tenant has requested a new connection, but the landlord has not responded to requests for access rights. This is a landmark move, but things remain far from straightforward, without effective management of the process.”

Commenting on the collaboration with Trenches Law, toob’s CEO, Nick Parbutt said: “We appointed Trenches Law in 2019 to work with us on the acquisition of wayleaves in Southampton. I’m delighted to extend our partnership to Camberley and Frimley. The team at Trenches Law works with us in a true spirit of partnership – adjusting their approach and focus to meet our requirements, and I continue to be delighted with their contribution to our business.”

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