The government has announced plans to rein in the installation of new telegraph poles for broadband across England.
The move was announced amidst simmering tensions between Norwood/Churchtown residents and Openreach, who plan to install telegraph on a number of local streets. Police have been called to a number of peaceful protests from residents.
In a letter to broadband operators, Digital Infrastructure Minister Julia Lopez said communities feel they “have no control” over how infrastructure like telegraph poles is deployed locally. She referenced frustrations over the “duplication of overhead fibre networks” in some areas.
Lopez stated it is “more important than ever” for companies to explore sharing existing infrastructure and underground deployment before resorting to new overhead lines on telegraph poles. New poles should only be used where burying lines underground is “not reasonably practicable”, she said.
The minister also emphasised the need for appropriate community engagement and ensuring that new infrastructure does not cause obstructions or unduly impact neighbourhoods’ visual aesthetic.
Her department will revise the Cabinet Siting and Pole Siting Code of Practice to provide updated guidelines on engaging communities over broadband deployments while still allowing network rollouts.
Southport’s MP Damien Moore, who has continually raised concerns over imminent pole installations by Openreach, welcomed the move.
“I am continuing to call for the immediate suspension of pole installation to facilitate additional consultation between Openreach and community representatives,” Moore said.
He demanded a resolution that “respects both residents’ views and Southport’s unique cultural and economic heritage.”
The revised guidelines are intended to maintain public support for the government’s goal of nationwide gigabit-capable broadband coverage while addressing visual blight concerns over overhead line proliferation.
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