Thank you for subscribing to updates on telegraph poles. I want to reassure you that I’m doing everything within my power to minimise the impact of MS3’s erection of telegraph poles across Hedon and Preston.
To that end, I’ve spent the past weeks working with the companies in question to try to find a good result for everyone:
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I’ve spoken to MS3 CEO Guy Miller and heard about its problems in getting their network, which aims to provide fast, cheaper broadband to homes across the East Riding, to have access to KCOM’s underground ducts. I’ve encouraged MS3 to put in a complaint with telecoms regulator Ofcom about gaining access to these ducts in an economical way.
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I’ve secured a commitment from MS3 that, following local concern, it will take a more acceptable approach to installing poles in conservation areas – saying that if it can’t come to agreement with the town or parish council, it won’t supply broadband to those areas.
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I’m encouraging MS3 and other companies who are installing poles elsewhere to work together and share poles. If we are to be forced to have these poles in our towns and villages, it’s right that we have as few as possible.
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I’ve written to the minister responsible for telecommunications infrastructure to encourage him to look at amending regulations to compel these companies to share.
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I’ve written to Ofcom to ask it to investigate alleged uncompetitive practices in Hull and the East Riding. It’s not right that while the rest of the country has access to considerable choice with dozens of companies competing for business, we have no choice other than KCOM.
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I’ve met with KCOM to let them know I’m not satisfied that they are, as they say, open to sharing their infrastructure.
In the meantime, I know it’s concerning that MS3 may be erecting a pole near your home. MS3 has provided a list of reasons of grounds to object to the site of a pole. Those are:
• The location of a telecommunications pole impacts upon a person with a disability (they may request proof of disability).
• The location of a telecommunications pole impacts upon access to a resident’s driveway.
• A resident has planning approved for a dropped kerb with the local council and can provide evidence.
• A telecommunications pole is blocking a road sign.
• A telecommunications pole is located adjacent to or obstructing a monument.
• A telecommunications pole is planned or installed on private land without a wayleave.
You can find more information about how to submit a complaint here.
