Connexin to pause broadband pole installations – but work is continuing for now
As published in the Hull Daily Mail
Connexin has announced that it will pause the installation of broadband poles in Hull and East Yorkshire – but it could take up to two weeks to wind down work in some areas.
The announcement of the pause – which comes after KCOM offered to hold talks around shared infrastructure – was made last night, only for some residents to report work continuing today. Pictures taken in Aintree Close, Molescroft, showed contractors installing a pole this morning.
Now, Connexin have clarified the situation. Spokesperson Hugh Davies said the firm was moving as quickly as possible to complete ongoing works. This had to be done in an organised way so that they could be restarted if no agreement is reached with KCOM, he added.
In an initial statement last night, Connexin said detailed talks were due to be held with KCOM to try to reach a deal to access the whole of its network. The firm said it was pleased with progress made since KCOM pledged to move more quickly towards infrastructure sharing amid pressure from councillors, MPs and the Government.
Mr Davies said: “Polling activity will continue, in some areas, for up to 14 days, although most work will be paused within the next few days. We want to leave the network in a state where we are able to manage what we have set up, so where there are a few roads left to complete an area of the network we will finish those.
“We need to be able to pick things back up quickly and cleanly if KCOM don’t follow through on their commitment to collaborate with us on infrastructure sharing, so there is a certain amount of tidying up to do. There will be some cabling work, where poles have been erected, to connect them to the network and to make sure the network is able to reach homes when customers sign up to Connexin.
“We’re pleased with the amount of people who’ve signed up with us. It shows there’s a desire for competitive broadband in the area.”
A spokesperson for KCOM said the pause which would be in the best interests of the community. “We continue to work positively with Connexin and all other providers who wish to access our infrastructure to reach a mutually beneficial agreement,” the spokesperson added.
MP David Davis, who represents Haltemprice and Howden, welcomed the pause and promised to monitor the progress of talks closely. But Councillor Denis Healy, of St Mary’s Ward, in Beverley, said residents were unhappy to find that works were still going on in the Molescroft area, among others, today.
“People had had their hopes built up and now they’re asking what’s going on?” the councillor said. “When I’ve explained to them that it’s going to take a few days to pause the works they feel let down, they feel like this is what they’ve come to expect. Connexin have been working hard to engage with local residents, councillors and MPs, but the way this announcement has been handled risks undermining their position.”
Pressure has been mounting on broadband companies to find a way to share existing infrastructure following a backlash over the installation of new networks – and poles in particular. Companies including Connexin have said that their entry into the East Yorkshire telecommunications market would bring competition and offer people more choice.
But some residents have objected over the permitted development rules that allow broadband firms to bypass the normal planning process. Digital Infrastructure Minister Julia Lopez has previously told firms they should refrain from installing infrastructure where it is already in place or risk losing vital community support. Ms Lopez said the Government reserved the right to take further action if necessary.