Telecommunications law will mean 'more competitive prices', better signals and ease of setting up new networks

A NEW Telecommunications Law will enable operators to set up internet and phone networks more easily and allow customers to benefit from more competitive prices and better signals.

The existing law covering the sector dates back to 2003, and as minister for industry José Manuel Soria states, the world of telecommunications today 'is nothing like it was 10 years ago'.

Broadband, fourth-generation mobile phones and extra-fast connections are now the norm and have forced the government's hand when it came to reforming the law, Soria explains.

Among other objectives, it is aimed at increasing competition, improving service to the public, removing red tape and over-onerous legal requirements to allow operators to grow, and increasing networks available.

Data protection for users, an inter-ministerial commission concerning radio-frequency effects on health, increased capacity for inspections and sanctions by the Secretary of State for Telecommunications and a guarantee that all customers can use ultra-fast networks are among other aspects of the new law.

Setting up networks will become easier as environmental and urban planning licence requirements will be eliminated, and the guarantee to all customers of access to fast connections will mean freeholders – known as communities of property owners – will be unable to block the installation of such networks.

Operators will also be permitted to use channels which belong to other firms or which are publicly-owned.