East Yorkshire MP's letter to Minister over installation of broadband poles
A East Yorkshire MP's calling for review of current rules - that allow broadband companies to install poles without going through the normal planning process.
A East Yorkshire MP's calling for review of current rules - that allow broadband companies to install poles without going through the normal planning process.
Rival companies to KCOM claim they're being forced to put up the telegraph poles to avoid "uneconomic prices" for using current infrastructure, although KCOM's denied that.
Graham Stuart says residents were fed up of the nightmare caused by the installations and he was disappointed that nothing had changed since companies started putting up poles last year.
The MP’s call for the changes in a letter to Digital Infrastructure Minister Julia Lopez follows a number of efforts to rein in companies locally. Hull councillors backed creating a task force to inspect the quality of infrastructure installation works amid complaints over the condition that footpaths and verges had been left in afterwards.
Meanwhile, East Riding councillors called for works to be halted while Ofcom conducts a review into the local telecommunications market ahead of a routine one scheduled for 2026. It is understood Ofcom is currently weighing up East Riding Council’s request and is set to respond in due course.
In his letter to the minister, Mr Stuart said the Department of Science and Technology should remind KCOM of its responsibilities to provide fair access to its existing underground ducts. KCOM has said it has never put obstacles in the way of companies seeking to use its infrastructure and it was assessing a request from Connexin as of January.
Mr Stuart also called for a ‘pole code of conduct’ to be drawn up to stop them being put up in front of people’s living rooms and other egregious places
The MP added the existing Electronic Communications Code should become mandatory, claiming the current system does not incentivise companies to engage with people affected by installations.
Mr Stuart insisted he would continue to press the Government to take action. The MP said: “Residents are fed up with the poles nightmare. I’m against these ugly and unnecessary poles, and it’s disappointing that the situation hasn’t changed since September last year.
“Most residents don’t want to see these poles close to their front gardens, even if they are desperate for cheaper broadband bills. My conversations with ministers are ongoing, but the people of Beverley and Holderness demand action now.”