Local telecoms giant KCOM has announced a new infrastructure sharing project, allowing any company to use its ducts and poles to provide internet competition.
KCOM is offering companies, for the first time, a product akin to Openreach’s PIA (Physical Infrastructure Access) meaning any company looking to offer broadband in Hull and the surrounding towns and villages in East Yorkshire, including Hedon and Beverley, will be able to use KCOM’s network.
This follows around two years of concern in communities like Beverley, Preston, Hedon and Tickton where poles were erected, with little to no warning, to deliver poles by third-party providers like MS3 and Connexin.
The long-serving MP has been at the forefront of making the case for KCOM to share its infrastructure, having made numerous demands of the company directly, via government ministers and working with East Riding and Hull Councils.
In April 2024, after months of negotiations, KCOM and Connexin announced a pause in new poles while KCOM started a sharing trial, following numerous requests from Graham and other local MPs including Emma Hardy, Sir David Davis and Dame Diana Johnson.
Graham has always been of the view that telegraph poles for broadband are ‘ugly and unnecessary’ in areas where KCOM’s infrastructure already exists and his focus has long been to get KCOM to allow others to use its infrastructure, as happens elsewhere in the country.
Graham said, “All people in and around Beverley and Hedon have wanted is for KCOM to work with other internet providers to stop the erection of ugly and unnecessary poles and help bring prices down for all of us.
“So I was delighted when KCOM announced that they would start a pole sharing trial and it's great for everyone in our area that we now have a competitive market in broadband, just like everyone else in the country.
“I'm grateful to everyone at KCOM who have made this happen and now the ball is in other telecoms companies' court.
“I'll be watching with great interest to see whether the likes of MS3 and City Fibre take KCOM up on this offer, having asked for it for so long!”
Jan Collins, Managing Director, KCOM Enterprise, said: “We’re committed to working collaboratively with all parties who have an interest in accessing KCOM’s infrastructure, and we’ve been grateful for the support and encouragement of our local MPs during the past year.
“It’s evident that Hull now has a thriving broadband sector. That is ultimately good news for residents and businesses who more than ever need fast, reliable and good value connectivity.
“Infrastructure sharing is an important part of delivering that across the city efficiently and without undue disruption to residents.”
Furqan Alamgir, CEO of Connexin, said, “It’s been a long time coming. This will be great for consumers across Hull and East Yorkshire and I’m grateful to Graham for leading the charge and making this change happen.”
