Two MHKs have expressed their support for objections to fibre broadband being installed using telegraph poles.
In a letter to the Enterprise Minister, David Ashford and John Wannenburgh described the use of poles as a “backward step” and “short sighted.”
The MHKs for Douglas North met with Manx Telecom earlier this month to discuss planning applications for poles in the Tromode area.
Mr Ashford said: “John and myself earlier this month met with Manx Telecom to discuss what in our view is the retrograde planning applications put in to erect poles for the provision of fibre broadband.”
Buried is Better
The two MHKs say that they argued that buried infrastructure is a better solution.
“In the modern world, in our view, it should be buried infrastructure that is used. Not only does buried infrastructure avoid littering the street scape, and not impact the environment of the area, but it is surely more resilient, robust and long lasting and would therefore benefit both the residents and supplier,” Mr Ashford added.
Alternatives
The MHKs wrote to the Minister for Enterprise, urging the department to work with Manx Telecom to find alternatives.
They said: “In our view, this is a backward step, and we oppose it on several grounds. Firstly, it is short-sighted and does not consider the long term; rather, it is the quick-fix option, which is the cheapest.
“In terms of future maintenance and service security, buried infrastructure makes more sense. Additionally, from the perspective of the estate landscape, we believe that having numerous poles dotted around will detract from the area’s appearance.”
They added: “Having discussed this with Gary, we are concerned that it appears that due to potential reinstatement costs, the only viable option for not just Tromode but numerous other estates on the island is the pole option.
“It seems that this is not just an isolated application, but that there are a large number of similar applications to follow across the island.”
Extensively
However, Mr Johnston told them that poles are “extensively around the world to deliver both electricity and telecom services, indeed in the UK they are permitted development for this very reason”.
He added: “Cost-effectiveness is often sighted as the primary reason for their use and whilst this is a primary consideration they provide additional advantages over undergrounded solutions.
“They are much quicker to deploy and create less disruption to residents than digging roads and pavements.
“They also provide a far more accessible service as residents will not be required to dig their garden or driveway to access the fibre network.”
He added: “Given there are a number of planning applications underway, and more to come, It would be inappropriate for DfE to interfere or influence the outcome of the planning process given the Departments role in the National Broadband Plan.”
On its website, MT says: “Building a full fibre broadband network requires careful planning and consideration of various factors. While underground ducts are preferred where available, poles offer an efficient and cost-effective solution in areas where underground installation is not feasible.
“Poles enable us to reach more properties quickly, minimise disruption to communities, and ensure efficient network deployment.”
The planning applications are due to be considered soon, and the MHKs have pledged their support for residents opposing the plans.
Mr Ashford said: “The applications are being considered on Monday and we fully support residents in their opposition to plans.”
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