The UK government has urged broadband providers to reduce the installation of unnecessary telegraph poles, warning of potential legislation if they do not comply.
Minister of State for Data Protection and Telecoms, Sir Chris Bryant, affirmed the government’s strong commitment to expanding high-speed broadband across the UK but stressed that the industry should be considerate of community concerns during infrastructure installation.
Telecom companies are currently required to notify local planning authorities and residents before installing a pole, but they are not obligated to obtain planning permission as the poles are classified as permitted developments.
Also Read: UK Government Rejects Mobile Operators’ Plea to Extend Shared Rural Network Deadline
The government has now urged telecom companies to either share existing infrastructure or place cables underground rather than erect new poles for broadband.
In a letter to operators, Bryant called for an update to the code of practice for telegraph pole installations and warned that he would revise the law if the industry ignored community feedback.
Bryant expressed that the government’s commitment to expanding fast and reliable broadband nationwide remains steadfast. “But this must happen in a way that is mindful of local communities, many of whom have expressed dismay when their road is dug up yet again or yet another telegraph pole appears in their street,” he said.
“This is why I’m calling on telecom companies to prioritize the sharing of infrastructure and take into account the views of residents and businesses in rural areas.”
He added, “By doing so, we can bring the advantages of high-speed internet to all corners of the nation more rapidly and responsibly, while minimizing disruptive ground digging and ending the installation of unnecessary telegraph poles, ensuring communities’ concerns are not overlooked.”
Related: UK’s Full Fiber Internet Coverage Reaches Noted Milestone
An Openreach spokesperson noted that the UK is experiencing a digital transformation towards world-class full-fibre broadband. “To help companies build out their networks, we offer access to our national network of poles and underground ducts. To date, over 100 companies are making use of our ducts and poles, and it’s enabled them to connect nearly 900,000 of their customers.
“We welcome greater collaboration within the industry and believe all network builders should offer access on comparable terms to us, thereby reducing the need for new poles and ducts in certain areas. However, there will be a need for new infrastructure to ensure some premises aren’t left behind.
“We’re looking forward to working with the government to ensure the digital transformation of the UK continues at pace, which will include improved infrastructure sharing,” concluded the Openreach spokesperson.
Read More: UK Government and Openreach to Modernize Rural Broadband Infrastructure
