Telegraph Poles

We all deserve access to fast, reasonably priced broadband – and competition is the best way to achieve that. 

But it’s not right for telegraph poles to go up in places that are wrong for a local community – be it a private road, a front garden or a conservation area.

That’s why I’m working with the Council to make sure that broadband poles are erected with the support of local communities, in places where they don’t disrupt peoples’ right to a quiet and peaceful life.

I'll be working with MS3, Connexin and KCOM to make sure that these companies work together, as required by regulations, to make sure that we all have access to the best possible broadband.

And I'm working with the Government to make sure these regulations are enforced properly, with the Council given any necessary powers to enforce it.

What I've Done

  • I’ve arranged a meeting with MS3, ERYC and Ward Councillors to open dialogue between the community, council and MS3. Since that meeting I’ve spoken to MS3 on many occasions to press the concerns of residents. 

  • I’ve written to Ofcom about KCOM’s monopoly and have encouraged MS3 to report KCOM to Ofcom if they have complaints about not being able to get quick and reasonably priced access to their infrastructure. 

  • I’ve received confirmation that MS3 will not go into conservation areas without local consent. Indeed, its CEO has told me that it will go beyond what it is required to do in terms of consultation. 

  • I’m encouraging MS3 and Connexin to work together to reach agreement on sharing infrastructure. If agreement can’t be reached with KCOM to share their ducts and poles I do not want multiple sets of overhead cables.  

  • I’ve raised this with the minister for digital infrastructure to encourage changing regulations to compel companies to share overhead cables. 

  • I've asked the Council if they can look at delaying permits while discussions continue.

What's next?

  • I'll lobby the Minister for Digital Infrastructure to close the loopholes that allow broadband poles to be erected anywhere, without getting input from local councils.
  • I'll work with East Riding of Yorkshire Council to make sure it gets the support it needs to put residents first.
  • I'll pursue Ofcom to investigate alleged anti-competitive practices by KCOM.

 

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Strengthening our Communities

Our communities in Beverley and Holderness are special.

That's why Graham does all he can to get them the funding they deserve, to give them the voice they need and celebrate their achievements.

News

Graham welcomes Hedon poles campaigners to Parliament

Graham Stuart, MP for Beverley and Holderness, yesterday (8th November 2023) welcomed campaigners from Hedon to Parliament to discuss next steps in their campaign to rid Hedon of the scourge of MS3’s telegraph poles, designed to deliver low-cost, high-speed broadband to the town. 

 

What Graham's done on telegraph poles

There’s been a lot of talk about telegraph poles going up in Hedon and Preston recently, and understandably people are upset about this. 

Graham Secures Key Concession on Poles in Conservation Areas

Graham Stuart, Member of Parliament for Beverley and Holderness has gained confirmation from MS3 CEO Guy Martin that the company will cease its plans to erect new telegraph poles in Hedon and Preston’s conservation areas, pending discussions with the Town and Parish councils.