Introduction

Speed of transmission is critical to enhanced use of digital technology, and this is something to which the Government has reiterated its commitment. In summer 2017, it launched a consultation on the design of a Universal Service Obligation (USO) to deliver high speed broadband across the UK. On 28 March 2018, the Government laid before Parliament the Electronic Communications Order 2018, which came into force on 23 April 2018. Finally, this chapter also provides an overview of this book. The book deals with the history of the telecommunications legislation, before providing an outline of the Old and New Codes, and adding some reflections on the European dimension. It describes the Electronic Communications Code, devised in 1984 and revised in 2003, which will continue to apply to existing arrangements. The book lists the deficiencies with the Old Code, and sets out the case for reform which has led to the enactment of the New Code.