REDDITCH MP Rachel Maclean has urged the Government to do more to ensure broadband infrastructure is installed underground.
It follows complaints from residents in Inkberrow who are concerned that much-needed broadband infrastructure is being installed using poles in the street rather than underground as they were promised.
Mrs Maclean put their concerns directly to the Minister for Data and Digital Infrastructure Julia Lopez.
Speaking in the House of Commons, she said: “We must upgrade our infrastructure, but we must not damage our beautiful countryside in the process, so what can she do to support my constituents in Inkberrow to ensure that this much-needed infrastructure is buried underground?”
In response, Mrs Lopez said: “I agree that we want to build underground where possible. It is important that she is advocating on behalf of her constituents because we have had issues relating to poles.
“We encourage sharing, but that is not always happening. It seems to be an issue in particular pockets of the country, and we are talking to Ofcom about this to see what more we can do.”
Mrs Maclean added: “I was pleased to hear that this is an issue the Government is working on and I will follow up with Minister after her talks with Ofcom.
“We must ensure broadband operators install their infrastructure underground which they promised to do.”
