The Department for Enterprise says that no funding was provided to Manx Telecom for planning applications to install telegraph poles at several housing estates across the island.
However, it clarified that support was given for underground broadband infrastructure in the same areas as part of the National Broadband Plan (NBP).
The written answer came in response to a question from Glenfaba & Peel MHK Kate Lord‑Brennan, who asked how, when and on what basis funding had been provided in connection with pole‑installation plans at Ballalough Estate, Ballasteen, Ballaterson Fields, Claughbane Estate, Fairway Drive, Larivane Close, Marlborough Crescent and Thornhill Park.
Enterprise Minister Tim Johnston said the question appeared to relate to NBP works rather than pole‑installation, and confirmed that in 2020 the Department received approval for £11.635 million to deliver the island‑wide fibre rollout through a contract with MT.
Tender
This included £10.235m from the original tender and £1.4m from the Economic Recovery Fund to accelerate delivery during the pandemic.
Under the NBP contract, MT was responsible for choosing the most appropriate technology, including whether to use poles or underground ducts, within the agreed budget.
In the listed areas, underground work was required and MT submitted change‑control requests which were approved within the existing programme budget, without any additional funding.
Invoices were issued based on the number of premises passed, with similar undergrounding requests also approved for Howe Road in Onchan and Raad Ny Gabbil in Castletown.
The Minister said the NBP successfully delivered 99.92% fibre coverage to hard‑to‑reach premises, completing in August 2025 at a final cost of £11.471 million, within the approved funding envelope.
The full written answer can be found here.
