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ARTICLE · 05 NOVEMBER 2026

The Electronic Communications Code In Court: Five Lessons Operators Should Be Acting On Now

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Recent court decisions reveal how the Electronic Communications Code operates in practice, from lease renewals and assignments to termination procedures and site access rights. These cases demonstrate that operators often have greater protection than expected, but only when they understand available rights and follow correct procedures.

United KingdomMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Stephanie Stretton
Stephanie Stretton
Michael Bogahalanda
Michael Bogahalanda

The Electronic Communications Code is now well established, but recent cases show that important questions about its operation continue to reach the courts.

Taken together, these decisions do more than clarify individual legal issues. They provide valuable insight into how the courts are approaching some of the most important aspects of the Code, from renewals and assignments to termination, site access and operational control.

A common theme emerges. Operators often have greater protection and flexibility than might be assumed, but only where they understand the rights available to them and follow the correct procedures.

Here are five recent decisions and what they mean in practice.

Holding over after a lease expires? You may have more options than you think

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