While BT may have the technology and the funding to develop its broadband offering in the UK, the company has hit an unexpected snag in one of North London’s leafy suburbs. Haringey Council has today blocked BT from installing any more 1.8 m tall communication cabinets around the area of Muswell Hill. The council has received a number of complaints from local residents who believe that the new roadside cabinets spoil the look and feel of the area which has ultimately led to a postponement of further installations as the council looks to “rethink” its policy.
The new technology in place around north London offers up to 40 Mb per second download speeds and has been welcomed by the vast majority of people in the area. However, a number of conservation groups have also complained about the new boxes although ultimately this should only be a short-term issue.
While BT has confirmed that the vast majority of expected installations have already gone ahead, the company will either look for alternative sightings for the communication boxes or else redesign them to fit in with the area. While this is an unexpected delay in the expansion of BT’s high-speed broadband network it is one which can surely be overcome in the short term.