IX Wireless Agree to Move Wireless Broadband Pole After Allegedly Abusive Call

A woman in Burnage has been successful in getting broadband network operator IX Wireless to move one of their poles (masts). The move occurred after she complained that it had been installed “without warning” next to her house and that staff had allegedly become “really weird and abusive on the phone” when she complained.

IX Wireless is currently building a new UK fibre-fed fixed wireless access (FWA) network across parts of the UK using WiFi based technology (e.g. Accrington, Blackburn, Blackpool, Burnley, Fleetwood etc.), which is supported by retail broadband ISP 6Gi (NOT related to 6G mobile technology).

The operator is, however, no stranger to attracting complaints from locals about their large metal poles (here) and has previously also run into the odd issue related to unauthorised digital infrastructure (here). Not to mention the banning of several 6Gi adverts for misleading promotions (here and here) and they’re facing enforcement action by Bolton Council for installing antenna kit on a pole (mast) without consultation or consent (here).

Suffice to say that the latest incident, which has been covered by the Manchester Evening News (via Thinkbroadband), seems unlikely to help matters. According to the resident, IXW’s agent is alleged to have “started shouting” down the phone at her: “She said they hired her to deal with people like me, it was just bizarre. She said if it wasn’t us it would be someone else, times are changing, you have to get used to it. A manager did apologise to me, but they’ve not sent the recording. The mast is an eye sore, I see it when I look out my window, it’s ruined the view. Everyone here wants it removed, we’re all bothered about it.”

A Spokesperson for IX Wireless said:

“We acknowledge that there will be some minor disruption from installing new infrastructure and we aim to keep this to a minimum. The company is keen to work with local residents and welcome any input which can help to improve our service.

The company investigated the claims and calls from Ms Partington to our customer support team. We have held further discussions with Ms Partington and following this we can confirm that we have put plans in place to move the post to a new location. We will continue our follow up directly with Ms. Partington to confirm her satisfaction of the planned resolution when completed.

Many people have welcomed investment in the roll-out of digital infrastructure, and where necessary we are happy to speak to residents who may feel a structure is causing an obstruction and this is a normal part of our process when the pre-notifications are sent.”

The resident has been told the pole will be moved in the next three or four weeks.