100 signatures reached
To: Furqan Alamgir, CEO Connexin
Connexin - Halt Broadband Poles Rollout
On Thursday 14 March we learned that KCOM had responded to Connexin's request for access to KCOM's telecommunications infrastructure with a framework feasibility study.
On Friday 15 March Data and Digital Infrastructure Minister Julia Lopez sent a letter to the telecommunications companies asking them to do "everything possible" to share existing telegraph poles before deciding to install new ones.
She says: "New telegraph poles should only be in cases where installing lines underground is not reasonably practicable, and only after ensuring that appropriate community engagement has taken place and that the siting of new infrastructure will not cause obstructions to traffic or unduly impact the visual amenity of the local area".
We ask that Connexin prioritise and expedite assessment of KCOM's framework document, so that commercial engagement between the two parties can take place rapidly in April 2024.
Further, we ask that Connexin halt all further pole installations in all areas until agreement with KCOM is achieved.
On Friday 15 March Data and Digital Infrastructure Minister Julia Lopez sent a letter to the telecommunications companies asking them to do "everything possible" to share existing telegraph poles before deciding to install new ones.
She says: "New telegraph poles should only be in cases where installing lines underground is not reasonably practicable, and only after ensuring that appropriate community engagement has taken place and that the siting of new infrastructure will not cause obstructions to traffic or unduly impact the visual amenity of the local area".
We ask that Connexin prioritise and expedite assessment of KCOM's framework document, so that commercial engagement between the two parties can take place rapidly in April 2024.
Further, we ask that Connexin halt all further pole installations in all areas until agreement with KCOM is achieved.
Why is this important?
Installation of telegraph poles in areas that already have good infrastructure available (such as telecommunications ducts in the developments built since at least the 1980s) and existing telegraph poles is unnecessary.
It leads to cluttering of the streetscape and loss of visual amenity where residents have happily lived for years with minimal visually intrusive, above ground infrastructure.
Using existing infrastructure also has the benefit of minimising the environmental impact of fibre installation. Fewer carbon emissions, less harvesting of growing trees that absorb CO2, less use of creosote and other environmental toxins.
It leads to cluttering of the streetscape and loss of visual amenity where residents have happily lived for years with minimal visually intrusive, above ground infrastructure.
Using existing infrastructure also has the benefit of minimising the environmental impact of fibre installation. Fewer carbon emissions, less harvesting of growing trees that absorb CO2, less use of creosote and other environmental toxins.
