Local access definition

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Radio spectrum regulation

Radio spectrum regulation Use of radio spectrum in the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man is regulated by Ofcom under the Communications Act 2003 (CA 2003) and the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (WTA 2006). This Practice Note covers Ofcom’s functions and duties in regulating the spectrum, as well as licensing of the spectrum and enforcement. Ofcom’s functions and duties In carrying out its functions, Ofcom’s principal duty is 'to further the interests of citizens in relation to communications matters' and 'to further the interests of consumers in relevant markets, where appropriate by promoting competition.' The electromagnetic spectrum comprises the range of wavelengths or frequencies over which electromagnetic radiation extends. Among other things, Ofcom’s principal duty therefore requires it to secure optimal use of the electromagnetic spectrum for wireless telegraphy. In performing its duties, Ofcom must have regard in all cases to principles of transparency, accountability, proportionality and consistency and must target regulation only at cases in which action is needed. It must also have regard to other...

Powers to stop up and divert highways and footpaths

Powers to stop up and divert highways and footpaths Purpose Highways can be stopped up if the area of highway is no longer needed, or when the land is needed for a development to take place. When a road is 'stopped up' it means that the public no longer has the right to use it. Legislation Powers to stop up and divert highways are contained in: • sections 247, 248, 249, 253 and 257 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (TCPA 1990) • sections 116, 118 and 119 of the Highways Act 1980 (HiA 1980) Guidance The Rights of Way Circular (1/09) (the Circular) provides advice to local authorities on recording, managing and maintaining, protecting and changing public rights of way. The government has published guidance for applicants in England on how to apply for a stopping up order to close or divert a highway. The Welsh government has published a series of guidance and services for applicants on the requirements and procedures for...

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Deepseek AI—What is it and what do legal teams need to know about it?

TMT analysis: DeepSeek AI is an advanced artificial intelligence model developed by DeepSeek, a Chinese company. Their mission is ‘dedicated to pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence to create solutions that empower businesses and enhance human capabilities, (…) [and] to make advanced AI technology accessible, ethical, and impactful’. Founded in 2023, DeepSeek quickly emerged as a major player in AI with its free open-source language models. It recently launched two advanced models, V3 for general applications like conversational AI, and R1 for tasks involving reasoning, such as programming and math problems. R1 has brought significant media attention to DeepSeek for its cost-effective AI solutions compared to leading US models. Written by Thomas Dubuisson, senior associate at CMS Belgium.