Ofcom investigates south Birmingham broadband rollout

Press release

OFCOM INVESTIGATE BRSK’S COMPLIANCE WITH PLANNING PROCEDURES IN BIRMINGHAM

Laurence Turner MP: “Much better community engagement needed over telegraph pole installation”

Ofcom has announced an investigation into whether the broadband network provider BRSK properly informed Birmingham City Council prior to installing telegraph poles.

In May 2024, Ofcom received a complaint and supporting evidence from actions taken in the Birmingham City area which suggested BRSK may have breached regulations established in the Electronic Communications Code. This forms the rules that broadband companies must follow when installing telegraph poles.

In relation to the investigation, the Electronic Communications Code sets out regulations to consult with local planning authorities and stakeholders, and requiring code operators to give twenty-eight days’ written notice to the local planning authority.

Laurence Turner, Member of Parliament for Birmingham Northfield, said:

“Proper community consultation needs to accompany the important extension of broadband infrastructure.

“A number of residents have raised serious concerns over the quality of local engagement and notification. Under existing rules there are limited requirements on broadband companies, and this investigation is welcome.

“Much better engagement is needed over telegraph pole installation. I am glad that Ministers have recognised that there are legitimate concerns over the inappropriate siting of some telegraph poles.

“I have secured a debate in next week in Parliament on this issue, which I hope will signal the need for the rules to be looked at again and for providers to improve their practices.”