IX Wireless hit with warning by government following battles with Rochdalians

Controversial telecoms firm IX Wireless could face a government crackdown if they ignore Rochdale residents’ concerns, their MP claims.

The government has told Rochdale MP Paul Waugh that they will ‘step in’ and change regulations if complaints continue to surface regarding IX Wireless’ actions. The Greater Manchester town, like many other places in the country, is no stranger to the company’s masts being erected without warning. 

Back in August, residents of Clarendon Street just outside the town centre, were horrified to learn that IX had put up another mast just eight months after they were told to take it down.

 

 

A resident living next to it said that she knew the mast was coming back when “all the pots and pans in her kitchen cabinet started rattling.”  Her neighbours described it as an “unsightly monster”.
 

Read more: ‘Eyesore’ mast back again just eight months after being torn downPublished: 06 August 2024

Now, telecoms minister Chris Bryant has issued IX a warning if they fail to listen to residents’ concerns about its street poles and masts.

Mr Waugh met the minister and officials in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) last week to raise residents’ anger over their alleged treatment by the company across Rochdale, Littleborough and Milnrow.

After Mr Waugh raised the issue in August, the minister held a round table meeting last month with broadband firms and regulator Ofcom over the gaps in the current law that allowed companies like IX Wireless to erect poles and wires without full planning permission.

In a letter to Mr Waugh after their meeting, Mr Bryant said: “To be clear, I hope that the industry can find a way to address public concerns around engagement and siting, without the need for government to intervene. However, I will not rule out changing the current regulations, should it become apparent that industry cannot meet the challenge.”
 

Read more: Village in fight against ‘monstrous’ 60ft masts as councillors call on government to step inPublished: 19 February 2023

It is understood that Ofcom has had “robust” conversations with IX Wireless over the issue. Government officials met the company last week and the minister is set to meet them in person this month to relay MPs’ concerns.

Mr Waugh added: “After months of this company ignoring local concerns or, worse, simply suggesting expensive legal action was the only remedy, I’m pleased I’ve been able to give residents a strong voice on this issue.

“Broadband plays such an increasingly vital role in many people’s lives and it should be made accessible and affordable. But improved accessibility should not mean a free-for-all that ignores residents’ wishes.”

Rochdale Council has put an enforcement order on a broadband mast erected by IX Wireless in Heywood which is currently subject to appeal with the Planning Inspectorate.

How the council approaches other cases in the future will depend on what the Planning Inspectorate decides on the Heywood case.

Mr Waugh said he was not alone in Parliament in complaining about IX Wireless and many other Labour MPs across the North West have joined forces to demand change in the firm’s conduct.

The Rochdale MP will meet Mr Bryant again later this month for an update.

George Lythgoe, Local Democracy Reporter