BT’s New Fibre Optic Network Trials Halted By Angry Residents

Residents of the Muswell Hill area of London have successfully appealed against the setting up of BT’s pilot project for the new super-fast fibre optic network in their area. The petition was lodged with the London Borough of Haringey, bringing the work to a halt.

Residents were concerned that the 1.8m tall cabinets, essential for the broadband network would not only block pedestrian space on the pavement but also create problems for drivers wanting to open the nearside doors of their cars.

Calling the development counter-intuitive to technology, John Crompton, the treasurer of the Muswell Hill and Fortis Green Association, said that the cabinets were taller than most residents’ garden walls. A Haringey council spokesperson added that there were doubts on whether BT had begun work before proper planning permission had been granted.

BT has offered to work on reducing the size of the cabinets, but claims it may take some months before a suitable solution can be found. Meanwhile, the operator hinted at compensating its loss of the site by running the trial in Glasgow, Edinburgh or Manchester. The other site for the trial of this network is in Whitchurch in Cardiff, where trials are proceeding as planned.