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.
- I've welcomed Hedon's campaigners against poles to Parliament.
- Alongside Beverley Civic Society, I secured a commitment that Connexin will not build in Beverley's conservation areas.
- I met Ofcom to inform the watchdog about KCOM's market position and discuss practical avenues going forward.
- I met CEOs of KCOM, MS3 and Connexin to discuss a way forward.
- I lobbied the Minister for Digital Infrastructure Julia Lopez to close the loopholes that allow broadband poles to be erected anywhere, without getting input from local councils.
- I've written to Anne Handley, Leader of East Riding Council, to request that East Riding Council adopt a voluntary charter for broadband providers.
- I attended a round-table meeting of MPs with the Minister for Digital Infrastructure, Julia Lopez.
- Alongside Emma Hardy and Dame Diana Johnson, I wrote to the Minister to put forward residents' concerns.
- I met Chris Bryant to press the case for regulation of broadband infrastructure, and to see for himself the harm this is doing to our communities.
What's next?
- I'll work with East Riding of Yorkshire Council to make sure it gets the support it needs to put residents first.
- I'll continue to push the Government to end permitted development where telegraph poles or underground exist.
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