“This could help to reduce the need for duplicate poles and street disruption,” an MP has said
From August 1, all communications providers in the Hull area will be able to apply to access KCOM’s passive infrastructure. Hull MP, Emma Hardy, has explained “this could help to reduce the need for duplicate poles and street disruption.”
The issue of broadband poles popping up has been heavily discussed in the region over the last several years. In an effort to stop the erection of poles, which she claimed were causing companies to lose community support, the then Digital Infrastructure Minister, Julia Lopez MP wrote to KCOM last Spring calling for infrastructure sharing.
After completing the delivery of its Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) network in 2019, the Hull-based provider KCOM has now announced the launch a Physical Infrastructure Access (PIA) Reference Offer Product that will enable other providers to use KCOM’s passive infrastructure to roll out their own fibre networks.
After a trial period to establish practical and effective ways to share KCOM‘s infrastructure, a long term solution has now been reached. All parties have worked to find a solution that works for customers, residents and communications providers in a sustainable competitive market. KCOM’s PIA product will largely mirror the Openreach PIA in terms of offering and pricing, with any differences reflecting variances in KCOM’s network design and build.
Jan Collins, Managing Director, KCOM Enterprise, said: “We’re committed to working collaboratively with all parties who have an interest in accessing KCOM’s infrastructure, and we’ve been grateful for the support and encouragement of our local MPs during the past year. It’s evident that Hull now has a thriving broadband sector. That is ultimately good news for residents and businesses who more than ever need fast, reliable and good value connectivity. Infrastructure sharing is an important part of delivering that across the city efficiently and without undue disruption to residents.”
Guy Miller, Chief Executive of MS3 Networks, another provider in the area that has installed poles in the region, said: “MS3 Networks acknowledges KCOM’s decision to launch its infrastructure sharing product, a long-overdue development. MS3 is reviewing whether the commercial variations to the national PIA product provided by Openreach are too significant to overcome or whether this product will be sufficient to avoid future infrastructure overbuild, something we all hope is the case. We remain committed to our ongoing trial, which is poised to bring network choice to an additional 3,000 homes and appreciate the continued support of local MPs for this vital community project.”
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The MP for Beverley and Holderness, Graham Stuart, has said “I’m grateful to everyone at KCOM who have made this happen and now the ball is in other telecoms companies’ court.” The Conservative MP added that people in his constituency want “providers to stop the erection of ugly and unnecessary poles and help bring prices down for all of us.”
Mr Stuart’s sentiment has been share by Labour MP Emma Hardy who represents Hull West and Haltemprice in Parliament. Ms Hardy said: “This is a positive step forward for our city, as this could help to reduce the need for duplicate poles and street disruption while opening the door to greater competition and choice for consumers.
“I hope that all broadband providers currently operating in Hull, or looking at entering the market, consider making use of this shared infrastructure to help deliver better, fairer broadband for everyone in our community.” The news has also been warmly welcomed by local MPs Dame Diana Johnson and David Davis who represent Hull North & Cottingham and Goole & Pocklington respectively.