One of the most influential forces shaping UK property assets is “Telecoms infrastructure”. From rooftop masts to in building connectivity, landlords are finding themselves at the centre of complex negotiations. That is exactly why the RICS Telecoms Conference 2025 matters. It offers a clear window into where the industry is heading in 2025 and what property owners should realistically expect. Here, ARC Partners will provide you with everything you need to know about What to Expect at the RICS Telecoms Conference, their key themes, industry shift and Takeaways for 2025.
According to ISP Review, the demand for rooftop and building based telecom sites is increasing because 5G coverage for at least one operator now reaches 97% of UK premises and a survey found that 35% of UK landowners are considering ending mobile mast agreements due to several valuation and regulatory concerns. Ofcom estimates that mobile data usage has increased by 18% year on year, which results in continuous pressure on telecom networks and property access agreements. Moreover, the Gigabit capable broadband is available to around 87% of UK homes.
Where the UK Telecoms & Property Market Stands in 2025?
By 2025, UK Property owners will be aware that telecommunications Infrastructure, which plays an essential role in the operation and value generation of their building’s functionality. The majority of the UK is now covered with 5G and the deployment of Gigabit capable broadband continues to be applied. The increasing demand for sites where antennas can be mounted as well as riser space for fibre optic trunking and cabling will have become part of the daily lives of landlords.
The evolution of the relationship between encumbering property rights and access to telecommunication services will continue to be defined over the next five years and landlords will also become more knowledgeable, cautious and strategic when making decisions on telecommunication infrastructure that will have ramifications for the value of their property and the quality of their business operations today and into the future. Due to these reasons, the insights acquired at the Telecoms Conference conducted by the RICS will continue to be extremely beneficial to UK property owners now and into the future.
Key Theme 1 – The Impact of Electronic Communications Code on Landlords
There is consensus that the Electronic Communications Code has positively affected the availability of Broadband services to more than 99% of the UK population and will continue moving forward.
Key Points:
- The ECC prioritises connectivity across the UK and favours operators rights.
- Valuation of sites (the amount of rent agreed) is still based on the fact that there is “no network” in place and therefore still has a significant effect on how much rent is paid for a site.
- The outcome of Tribunal Cases has established how the rights of the Code are applied in the real world.
- Landlords are becoming increasingly aware of the long-term implications of the agreements associated with the Code.
- Professional advice is becoming more important to landlords before they begin discussions on the granting/renewing of their rights.
Key Theme 2 – Valuation, Rents and the Reality Behind the Numbers
UK Property Valuations for Telecom Sites remain one of the most contested areas in the United Kingdom Property Market. There is an ever-increasing demand for infrastructure but there is a wide disparity in the financial outcome for landlords.
Key Points:
- The consideration levels for sites are generally much lower than what landlords would have expected before the introduction of the ECC.
- The valuation of a Telecom Site will depend upon the type of site, its geographical location and the structure of the agreement in force for that site.
- Having a valuation on which to base negotiations and resolve disputes based on factual evidence is very critical.
- Realistic International Standards set by RICS are important to ensuring professional valuation standards are adhered to.
- Landlords are increasingly becoming more concerned about the value of their site in the long-term than with the amount of rent they are receiving in the short-term.
Key Theme 3 – 5G, Connectivity Targets and Infrastructure Expansion
5G will continue to be the biggest driver of Telecoms expansion in the UK. For property owners this means that they will receive more frequent approaches from telecoms operators.
Key Points:
- The rollout of 5G is a national priority in the Urban and Rural areas.
- Rooftops and Buildings are the key means of achieving coverage targets.
- Infrastructure demand is growing in residential and mixed-use buildings.
- Telecoms Operators are looking for faster access to sites in order to achieve government targets.
- Landlords need to understand how expansion plans will affect their assets.
Key Theme 4 – Landlord Rights, Operator Powers and Finding the Balance
The growing debate in 2025 will centre around how Landlord’s rights relate to Operator’s Powers under the Code.
Key Points:
- Operators currently enjoy strong Statutory Rights due to the existing legislative environment.
- Landlords, however, continue to hold rights in relation to access, safety and protection of their assets.
- Poorly negotiated agreements with Operators can result in significantly restricting Landlords’ use of their property over the long term.
- Engaging early with Operators and ensuring clear, written documentation will greatly reduce the possibility of long, drawn out disputes.
- Negotiations based on informed decisions will also safeguard a Landlord’s Income and Asset Value.
Industry Shift: From Reactive Agreements to Strategic Asset Planning
Here is how the industry shifted from Reactive Agreements to Strategic Asset Planning:
| Reactive Approach | Strategic Planning (2025) |
| Last minute decisions | Planned and long term approach |
| Limited Code awareness | Clear understanding of ECC |
| Short term focus | Asset value protection |
| Minimal advice | RICS led guidance |
| Higher future risk | Balanced and flexible agreements |
What Attendees Can Expect from the RICS Telecoms Conference
Expert Led Sessions – Keynote addresses and panels from regulators, legislators, and industry leaders.
Toolkit for Landowners – Strategies to resolve disputes through mediation, arbitration and additional resources that provide support to Landowners.
Networking Opportunities – Avenue to connect with other Landowners, Operators, Influencers and Industry Leaders.
Forward Looking – Focus on the Future of Digital Infrastructure Problems & Solutions.
What are the Key Takeaways for Landlords and Property Owners in 2025?
- Telecomms/infrastructure is an important Property Issue, it is not secondary or incidental to property ownership; therefore, Landowners should consider it as a part of their long-term Property portfolio planning.
- Abenighted Landowners need to understand the Electronic Communications Code. The Electronic Communications Code will continue to impact the Rights, Value and the Outcome of Landowners’ negotiations with telecommunication companies.
- Value Overall valuation Expectations Should Be Realistic; How Value is Determined Will Be Based On Evidence and Based On the Code.
- Negotiate and Inform Early To Reduce The Risk of Creating Unfavourable, Confined And Misguided Agreements.
- Landlords Will Continue to See Increasing Demand For Services by Operators In Connection With The Expansion Of 5G and Other Connected Services.
Final Thoughts
To sum up everything that has been stated so far, the given information on the topic “What to Expect at the RICS Telecoms Conference” states the key themes, industry shifts and takeaways of the RICS Telecoms Conference to encourage landlords to stay informed and engaged. Want to know more details about UK Telecoms contact today by dialing 02036890282 or emailing enquiries@arcpartners.co.uk. Visit ARC Partner’s Website Today!
Frequently Asked Questions About the RICS Telecoms Conference
Question 1. What can property owners learn about their rights at the conference?
Answer. Property owners can understand their legal position, operator powers, dispute resolution processes and how they can protect their property interests while complying with UK telecom regulations.
Question 2. Will the 5G rollout and digital connectivity targets be discussed?
Answer. Yes, at the RICS Telecoms conference covers the 5G, infrastructure expansion of UK and how national connectivity goals influence property-based telecom installations.
Question 3. Should landlords seek professional advice after attending the conference?
Answer. Yes, landlords should seek professional advice after attending the conference because the conference offers beneficial insights but applying them correctly may require specialist advice.
Question 4. What are the takeaways landlords should expect from the RICS Telecoms Conference?
Answer. Some of the key takeaways that landlords should expect include a clearer understanding of valuation realities, regulatory direction, landlord rights and more.