Broadband firm Connexin pauses East Yorkshire pole installations

The installation of broadband poles has led to protests across East Yorkshire

A broadband firm says it will halt the installation of telegraph poles while it holds talks with a telecom company about sharing its infrastructure.

Connexin said it was stopping in response to KCOM's offer last month of discussions.

Installation of the poles across East Yorkshire has led to protests from residents and politicians.

Local MPs have called for firms to stop installing poles where cables already exist.

Connexin said it had "tirelessly campaigned for infrastructure sharing over the past two years".

A spokesperson said: "Our preferred method to grow our network is to access existing infrastructure.

"In the same manner that all other internet service providers, outside the Hull telecoms area, are able to do with the Openreach network, which covers the rest of the UK."

The firm said it had not specified the duration of the pause in pole installation, but added it wanted to "show its intent to work collaboratively to the benefit of the wider community in its ongoing negotiations with KCOM".

KCOM previously said that the infrastructure sharing trial would start in May.

A spokesperson said: "We continue to work positively with Connexin and all other providers who wish to access our infrastructure to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

"We welcome the pause in installation of new telegraph poles which is in the best interests of the local community."