ITSWisp Wireless Broadband Mast Causes Anger in South Norfolk UK

The South Norfolk Council‘s project with InTouch Systems (i.e. fixed wireless broadband ISP ITSwisp) to improve remote rural broadband connectivity has been criticised after it approved plans for a new 21 metre high mast, which is despite objections from locals in Bunwell who want an Openreach “fibre” solution.

At present the Better Broadband for Norfolk (BBfN) programme with Openreach (BT) is already working to ensure that 95% of the county can access a “superfast broadband” (24Mbps+) network by March 2020 (here) or 91% in South Norfolk alone (at present Norfolk is on around 92%). But there’s uncertainty for those in the final 5% of Norfolk (8% in South Norfolk).

In response the South Norfolk Council last year established a new agreement with InTouch Systems (here) that aimed to support the deployment of a new 10Mbps+ capable wireless broadband network in digital disadvantaged parts of the region (i.e. those that won’t benefit from the existing BBfN scheme). Not exactly “superfast“, albeit better than the slower speeds still being experienced in some parts.

Work on the network extension has already begun and earlier this year one of their first masts was completed in Long Stratton (pictured above). Unfortunately the provider has faced problems in trying to build a new mast in other areas, particularly the one they had planned near the parish of Bunwell.

The first attempt (planning permission) in July 2018, which sought to build a 21 metre high steel lattice mast on land adjacent to Park Farm, Low Common (Bunwell), was withdrawn following an angry reaction from local residents who were unhappy with its size and visual impact. However the operator’s second attempt, which will build a similar mast near a Sub Station on Forncett Road, has now been approved despite complaints.

Fewer objections were received for the new application (i.e. 9 letters, albeit 4 from the same 2 address) and a report on the project said: “While the mast will be visible from the immediate locality and the wider surrounding locations, there is no adverse impact on the landscape setting resulting from the proposal. The benefits to local residents and businesses from improved broadband facilities outweigh any minor visual impact.”

Aside from complaining about the visual impact, some objections also pointed out that the “majority of local residents” are currently in a joint consultation with Openreach (BT) over the prospect of extending FTTC/P based “fibre broadband” connectivity at superfast speeds into the community. Locals felt that the FTTC/P network, if approved and built, might diminish uptake of the wireless service and thus render the mast a wasted effort.

However others felt as if the proposed project with Openreach “may take years” to turn into a working service (assuming its even approved and can be funded) and in the meantime the ITSwisp network could still be of benefit. The mast was approved with the condition that the development be started within the next 3 years and that the mast must be removed if it goes unused for 6 months.

A similar application has also recently been made for a new mast near Willow Farm (Earsham Road, Hedenham), which so far has not received any objections.