Pole alternatives to be considered in fibre rollout, government says

The island's planning committee has rejected applications to install poles for the fibre rollout

Alternatives to telegraph poles will be considered for the rollout of fibre broadband on the Isle of Man, the government has said.

On Tuesday, the island's planning committee rejected seven of Manx Telecom's (MT) eight applications to install poles, largely across the northern plain.

The applications had faced objections from residents over their visual impact and potential impact on wildlife.

A Department for Enterprise (DfE) representative said it would work with Manx Telecom to "consider the impact of any refusals from a planning perspective and consider any alternative options in these remaining areas".

The national broadband plan, which was launched in July 2020 to provide funding for the fibre rollout, has seen 11,575 rural or remote properties have the capability of connection installed.

The DfE representative said that accounted for 95% of homes in those areas and meant 90% of the island's dwellings had passed, some witht he use of pre-existing poles.

"As expected, the final stage is more complex and will require new infrastructure, with the potential for planning applications to be required," they added.

Considering MT's applications, the planning committee only approved two, which the government said would save on the cost of digging up roads, pavements and gardens.

The representative said the DfE had tried to find a balance between installing fibre and "potential objections from householders who prefer not to see new poles deployed".

"The department will continue to work with MT and the Department of Infrastructure to consider the impact of any refusals from a planning perspective and consider any alternative options in these remaining areas," they added.

MT previously said it was "carefully considering" its future options.

Alternatives to telegraph poles will be considered for the rollout of fibre broadband on the Isle of Man, the government has said.

On Tuesday, the island's planning committee rejected seven of Manx Telecom's eight applications to install poles, largely across the northern plain.

The applications had faced objections from residents over their visual impact and potential impact on wildlife.

A Department for Enterprise representative said it would work with Manx Telecom to "consider the impact of any refusals from a planning perspective and consider any alternative options in these remaining areas".