22 May 2025
On 22 May a small group of Garforth residents travelled to London to attend a meeting in Westminster with the Minister of State for Data Protection and Telecoms, Sir Chris Bryant. We were joined by our MP Richard Burgon.
During this constructive meeting we raised:
- The community’s concerns about the roll out of internet infrastructure, including over 200 unwanted telegraph poles impacting our area.
- That Giggle Fibre has seemingly ignored recommendations under the Electronic Communication Code (ECC).
- Neither Giggle nor SCD are members of self-regulating bodies IPCA or INCA, confirmed in writing by SCD.
- Giggle Fibre has refused to engage with the community or attend public meetings.
- No attempt was made by Giggle Fibre to utilise OpenReach underground ducting; they chose cheaper telegraph pole installation instead.
- Most poles have provided no added benefit to affected streets, prompting a community-wide boycott of any provider using overhead infrastructure.
- Poles leach creosote and are wrapped in hessian; there have been reports of skin rashes in children following contact.
- The issue isn’t unique to Garforth, and current legislation allows constant overbuild of fibre infrastructure across the UK.
The Minister was sympathetic but explained he currently lacks powers to intervene as long as Giggle operates within the ECC. He was surprised that Giggle Fibre isn’t part of IPCA or INCA. He confirmed Ofcom has removed unused infrastructure in the past and can exercise such powers.