‘Unacceptable’: Demand broadband masts are taken down in Rochdale

A broadband company has been asked to remove some of its masts in Rochdale due to the ‘unacceptable’ impact on residents. The council has received complaints about IX Wireless poles around the borough, some of which have been put up in residential areas next to homes.

It has asked the company to take down some of the most intrusive structures, and written to Ofcom about the problem. Councillor Daniel Meredith, responsible for regeneration and housing, said: “The council is investing considerable resources into dealing with IX, with several services involved.

“The service has already identified a number of masts deemed to have an unacceptable impact and has written to IX asking for those masts to be removed.

“Our leader, Councillor Neil Emmott, has written to Ofcom directly expressing his own concerns about IX’s approach. In addition, officers continue to liaise directly with Ofcom about the on-going situation.”

In October, Rochdale resident June Eastwood, of Clarendon Street, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service how a mast had been put up without warning next to her home. The 76-year-old confirmed it has since been removed, but said new rules are needed to help people like her.

She said: “It was the first time they came to my door – to tell me that they would be taking it down. I don’t think they should be allowed to be there in the first place, there should be more rules to stop them from going up again like this.”

IX Wireless was launched in 2017 with the aim of providing internet connection to towns across the north west and beyond. The company said its masts are compliant with planning permission requirements and that it has engaged with councils during its work.

New masts require ‘prior approval’ to be installed, which is a planning process and offers local authorities some opportunity to reject applications.

Telegraph poles can be deployed on public land by operators under the Electronic Communications Code subject to providing notice to the local authority and complying with the Code which is enforced by Ofcom.

A spokesperson from IX Wireless said: “So far, we’ve installed a new fibre network infrastructure in seven towns and cities in the north west. The uptake we’ve seen clearly highlights the demand for a higher speed internet at a more affordable price in these areas.

“We engage with all councils and local communities during every phase of a network build and we’re always compliant with planning permission requirements.

“We have had extensive discussions with Rochdale council up to now, and will continue to liaise with Rochdale’s local councillors.

“We do understand that while many people have welcomed investment in the roll-out of a new digital infrastructure, some people are unhappy and where necessary we are happy to speak to residents who may feel a structure is causing an obstruction.

“The latest investment in digital infrastructure will provide local communities with much needed gigabit-capable broadband services at a fraction of the cost of other broadband providers.

“We believe the only way to level-up the region and move towards a digitally inclusive environment is to invest in a new innovative network which will give people the same opportunities as those across the country otherwise we are at risk of being left behind.

“New infrastructure enables us to provide communities across the North West with more choice, better service and more cost-effective broadband.”

Ofcom spokesperson said: “The leader of Rochdale council has written to us and we are liaising with council officers regarding the deployment of broadband masts.

“We expect all providers to comply with appropriate regulations.”

Declan Carey, Local Democracy Reporter