By: MarkJ - 7 August, 2009 (12:52 PM) - Score: 2348 - Fixed Line Broadband
BT's trial rollout of next generation 'up to' 40Mbps fibre optic ( FTTC ) broadband technology in Muswell Hill, North London, has been partly halted after residents complained that the large new 1.8m tall junction boxes (cabinets) installed by the operator were "unsightly" and causing an obstruction.
The Times reports that locals appealed to the London Borough of Haringey and managed to block a further rollout, although BT has since clarified that the issue only relates to a small number of cabinets in a "conservation area". Well if they don't want one then we know a street that does *cough*
.
It's interesting to note that BT does not appear to have had planning approval for the installations. The council is now talking to BT in an effort to help find alternative locations. BT is also trying to develop a more compact cabinet design, although that could take several months.
The operator was keen to stress that most of the rollout had been completed and was going according to plan, though it did not say whether it had received similar complaints from residents in Wales. If anybody has a picture of the new cabinet then please send one in via our ‘Contact’ page (send to the ‘Editor’).
UPDATE - 8th August 2009:
It looks like AAISP managed to caputure a picture of the new cabinets:
http://e.gg/7974142
John Crompton, treasurer of the Muswell Hill and Fortis Green Association, said that the green cabinets have blocked pavements for pedestrians as well as preventing car drivers from opening their nearside doors.
Mr Crompton said: “These cabinets are unsightly and are taller than most garden walls. It’s counter-intuitive. Technology is meant to be getting smaller.”
A BT Openreach spokesman said: “We hope to agree a way forward so that businesses and consumers in the area don’t miss out on the benefits of superfast broadband.”
Mr Crompton said: “These cabinets are unsightly and are taller than most garden walls. It’s counter-intuitive. Technology is meant to be getting smaller.”
A BT Openreach spokesman said: “We hope to agree a way forward so that businesses and consumers in the area don’t miss out on the benefits of superfast broadband.”
The Times reports that locals appealed to the London Borough of Haringey and managed to block a further rollout, although BT has since clarified that the issue only relates to a small number of cabinets in a "conservation area". Well if they don't want one then we know a street that does *cough*
.It's interesting to note that BT does not appear to have had planning approval for the installations. The council is now talking to BT in an effort to help find alternative locations. BT is also trying to develop a more compact cabinet design, although that could take several months.
The operator was keen to stress that most of the rollout had been completed and was going according to plan, though it did not say whether it had received similar complaints from residents in Wales. If anybody has a picture of the new cabinet then please send one in via our ‘Contact’ page (send to the ‘Editor’).
UPDATE - 8th August 2009:
It looks like AAISP managed to caputure a picture of the new cabinets:
http://e.gg/7974142
Tweet
Comments: 7
Carrot63Posted: 7 August, 2009 - 9:47 PM
Link to comment
If the Muswell Hill Nimby's don't want the appaling inconvenience in exchange for a fast connection, BT are most welcome to shift the installation to my bit of Newham, East London. Not only would I get a usable connection, but the boxes couldn't help but improve the look of the area.
Steven C.Posted: 7 August, 2009 - 9:49 PM
Link to comment
I'd be interested in seeing photos of these "ugly cabinets".
AT&T apparently had similar complaints in Orange County when deploying FTTC cabinets & VRADs (Video Ready Access Device) for their U-Verse service.
PobicePosted: 7 August, 2009 - 10:01 PM
Link to comment
I'd imagine they would look something like the big boxes the cable companys have doted arround.
PhilTPosted: 8 August, 2009 - 11:30 AM
Link to comment
Plant and Machinery less than 15m high does not need planning permission normally - it is "permitted development". I had to redesign a tank farm to 14.9m high once
Conservation areas may be different. Telecoms code powers allow BT and others to erect poles and cabinets.
PeeJayPosted: 8 August, 2009 - 12:48 PM
Link to comment
Well, if that cabinet's 1.8m high then the engineer sticking his head in must be at least 2.5m tall. Rarified atmosphere indeed in Muswell Hill.
Nigel JonesPosted: 14 August, 2009 - 7:32 AM
Link to comment
No doubt it will be the same people complaining that they have slow internet.
Just as I was delighted when I saw a planning proposal for a 3G mast a few 100m away from my house, until the NIMBYs appealed - probably calling from their mobile phones (higher signal strength next to head)
Now they're not exactly pretty, but not a whole lot different to existing cabs. Maybe BT need to commision some artists to decorate them... of course that would probably cause even more controversy! Would be more interesting though!
PeterPosted: 15 March, 2011 - 9:10 AM
Link to comment
Sigh - it seems Muswell Hill is now at the back of the list for FTTC after being the pilot area. Just as broadband is needed for real services we will need to wait another 2 year to catch-up with the rest of the country (and world).
Well done whoever the minority group was for puting us back half a decade.
Im wondering what your next campaign is!!!!!
And by the way calling Muswell Hill Conservation area a Conservation Area is a joke - its pigsty. You should focus your energy on cleaning up the place
Generated in 0.61151 seconds.
DB queries: 8
Copyright © 1999 to Present - ISPreview.co.uk - All Rights Reserved (Terms, Privacy Policy, Links (.), Live Chat & Website Rules).