LightSpeed Ruined Tamworth

Voices from Tamworth: Residents Speak Out Against Lightspeed Broadband’s Telegraph Poles

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 07:58:41 GMT

Tamworth has recently been hit with a wave of frustration from residents upset over the sudden installation of telegraph poles by Lightspeed Broadband. The complaints highlight a common story — no consultation, ugly poles spoiling the streets, and real concerns about safety, property value, and community well-being.

Here’s what the people of Tamworth are saying in their own words:

“No consultation, just poles popping up”

Henry Jones shared his experience about the trenches and poles appearing overnight with no consultation:
“Tamworth Borough Council say the permission was given by Staffordshire County Council but there was no consultation with residents. The people digging the short trenches had a plan of where the poles were going. We managed to stop 2 poles going up in our street by complaining to Lightspeed.”

Alexander Korniak added a detailed account of how the poles appeared without warning:
“We woke up one morning in early April to find a 9-metre brown pole planted on the verge outside our 1980s cul-de-sac. No prior letter through the door, no yellow planning notice on a lamp-post—nothing. A day later Lightspeed’s contractors bolted a fibre distribution box halfway up the pole and disappeared.”

“An eyesore from outside my front window”

Residents are unanimous that these poles are a visual disaster for their streets:

Sandra Milburn wrote:
“Several of neighbours and myself have complained about the telegraph poles erected in our road. A complete eyesore. No one was asked before these horrible telegraph poles were erected. Spoilt the street. Absolute eyesore from outside my front window.”

Emma Deegan described the shock and distress of having a pole right on her doorstep:
“This has gone up right outside my house inches from my boundary without warning, what a shock I had! I actually feel sick… Completely ruins the look of the street & will definitely de-value my house, literally on my doorstep. It’s a real eyesore.”

Ms J Canham spoke on behalf of an elderly neighbour:
“We heard all the noise when they erected them, not knowing what was going on. Now she sees a great big pole right in her line of vision.”

“We’re stepping back in time”

Ann expressed a frustration shared by many about the outdated appearance and lack of progress:
“Council as usual do not think about the people of Tamworth… we are stepping back in time looks like the 1970s.”

Deborah Bickford asked:
“How for the love of all that is holy in 2025 has this been allowed to happen!! These monstrosities are blighting people’s lives and properties with no word of warning! If you can cut down a 500 year old oak tree in London without notice or due diligence why can’t we just take a chain saw to these!”

“Safety, access and nuisance issues”

Brian’s concern about a pole blocking his driveway highlights practical problems:
“Please could this issue be sorted? Need telegraph pole moved that Lightspeed have installed without notifications. It’s blocking my driveway that I intend to make wider to accommodate our cars.”

Maureen Swinburn pointed out the nuisance caused by birds perching on the poles:
“They provide perching for pigeons and other birds, so their excrement causes a problem on pavements, drives, cars and gardens. We are fed up as we have to clean our car every day from bird droppings.”

Mike Marklew recounted a confrontation caused by the narrow streets near poles:
“A truck driver was backing down the road and went on to the pathway to get around a van. He expected me to do the same but I refused. He was abusive and his workmate threatened me. I was not very happy.”

“What can be done?”

Alexander Korniak and other residents are actively pursuing legal and regulatory channels:
“When residents asked Lightspeed for the statutory ‘hand-delivered’ notice they claimed to have distributed weeks earlier, the company could not produce a single copy.”

They are filing objections citing planning law, requesting the council to revoke permitted development rights for overhead lines, and urging Ofcom to investigate compliance with community engagement standards.

Rich Smith added:
“Please include myself and neighbours in Kirtley Glascote Heath. We have had a pole placed in front of our houses, we were not made aware this was happening and we can only repeat the concerns previously raised concerning property value, health and wellbeing, and a visual mess.”

In Summary

Tamworth’s community feels blindsided and disrespected by Lightspeed Broadband’s installation of telegraph poles — poles that many say spoil the streetscape, harm property values, and create safety and nuisance problems. The overarching demand is clear: better communication, genuine consultation, underground cables where possible, and swift action to remove or relocate poles that cause harm.

If you live in the area and have been affected, joining forces and raising your voice could be the key to pushing for change.

Tamworth MP Sarah Edwards Calls for Ofcom Investigation into LightSpeed Broadband

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 07:52:05 GMT

Over 50 Resident Complaints Prompt Formal Action from Local MP

On 27th May 2025, Sarah Edwards MP for Tamworth wrote a formal letter to Ofcom calling for an urgent investigation into LightSpeed Broadband and BT Openreach following a wave of resident complaints.

In her letter addressed to Melanie Dawes, Chief Executive of Ofcom, Edwards outlines serious concerns about the conduct and communication practices of these telecommunications providers, citing over 50 ongoing complaints related to LightSpeed alone.

What Is Sarah Edwards MP Accusing LightSpeed Of?

The letter — now available publicly on Sarah Edwards’ Facebook page — outlines several major points of concern:

1. Lack of Consultation with Residents

Both LightSpeed and BT Openreach have reportedly conducted infrastructure work, such as erecting telegraph poles and digging up streets, without informing or consulting affected residents. In some cases, driveways were obstructed without warning, leaving homeowners unable to access their properties.

2. Misrepresentation of MP Support

Perhaps most alarmingly, Edwards states that LightSpeed has falsely claimed she personally approved their works — a claim she describes as “categorically false, highly misleading, and a complete misrepresentation.”

She notes that this not only undermines her role as an elected official but erodes public trust in both telecommunications providers and political representatives.

3. Failure to Honour Commitments

Despite a February meeting with LightSpeed executives, where the company assured her it would improve consultation and engage directly with residents, those promises have not been upheld. The complaints have continued — and even increased — since that meeting.

A Call for Ofcom to Investigate

The letter ends with a clear call to action:

“This behaviour is unacceptable. I am therefore calling for an urgent investigation by Ofcom into the conduct of both LightSpeed and BT Openreach.”

Edwards argues that residents are being ignored, misled, and disrupted in their own homes, and that telecommunications companies must be held accountable for how they operate in local communities.

Why This Matters

While many broadband providers claim to be community-driven and customer-focused, Edwards’ letter highlights the stark contrast between marketing and reality. Her actions also mark a significant moment — a sitting MP publicly calling out and escalating a private company’s conduct to the national regulator.

For residents in Tamworth and beyond, this signals that if you’ve experienced similar issues with broadband installation or pole erection, you’re not alone — and there is now political momentum behind getting answers and change.

What You Can Do

If you’ve been affected by unconsulted broadband works, poles on your street, or misleading claims from providers:

📣 Report it to Ofcom: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/complaints
📧 Contact your MP — especially if you’re in Staffordshire or nearby regions
🗣️ Join the conversation on Sarah Edwards MP’s Facebook page
📰 Share this article with local groups, forums, or press to help raise awareness

Final Thoughts

Sarah Edwards MP has taken a bold and public stand on behalf of her constituents, demanding accountability from telecom providers. As fibre broadband expansion continues across the UK, her actions may set a precedent for how such projects are expected to treat communities — not just as rollout targets, but as real people with a right to transparency and respect.

More Than Just Poles: The Crushing Mental Health Toll of LightSpeed’s Tamworth Rollout – My Story

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 07:57:05 GMT

Search for “LightSpeed Broadband Tamworth,” and you’ll find promises of speed, efficiency, and a connected future. But for me, and potentially many others in Tamworth, the arrival of LightSpeed hasn’t been about faster internet. It’s been a months-long saga of anxiety, dread, and a profound decline in my mental well-being.

This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about the very real, debilitating stress inflicted upon residents when large corporations roll into town seemingly indifferent to the human impact of their methods.

The Dread That Stole Christmas

The knowledge that LightSpeed was coming, armed with plans for overhead poles instead of the discreet underground cabling used by others, hung over me for months. Christmas, usually a time of joy, was shrouded in a constant, low-level dread. Was it happening? When? Would that spot right outside my window be chosen? This uncertainty gnawed away at me, making celebration feel hollow. I felt trapped in a limbo of anxiety, waiting for the inevitable visual disruption of my home environment.

Afraid To Leave, Trapped Looking Out

When the pole finally appeared, directly impacting the view from my home, the anxiety didn’t stop – it intensified. I felt a strange mix of being trapped inside my house, forced to confront this unwelcome monolith every time I looked out, and simultaneously being afraid to go outside and see where the next one might appear. My home, my sanctuary, suddenly felt compromised.

The uncertainty was paralyzing. Would more poles follow? Where would the thick black cables be strung? This lack of information, this feeling of powerlessness over my immediate surroundings, was incredibly stressful.

Silence and Inconsistency: The Frustration Mounts

In desperation, I reached out. Emails flew to my MP, Sarah Edwards, detailing the distress. I contacted Tamworth Council and Staffordshire Council, seeking intervention or explanation. I wrote directly to LightSpeed, asking the simple, burning question: Why are you erecting poles on my street when you are burying cables just one street over?

The silence, or the deflective non-answers, were almost as maddening as the poles themselves. It felt like my valid concerns, my lived experience of distress, didn’t matter.

My attempts to clear my head offered no respite. Going for a run, hoping to escape the oppressive feeling, often meant encountering LightSpeed crews. Sometimes, I’d see them erecting more poles, a sight that would send a fresh wave of sadness and resignation through me. Other times, infuriatingly, I’d see them digging trenches and burying cables in other parts of town. The inconsistency felt like a slap in the face. Why was my neighbourhood, my street, deemed unworthy of the less intrusive method?

A Home Chosen, A Life Disrupted

It’s been five incredibly rocky months. I specifically chose this house, this home, partly because it wasn’t burdened by a tangle of overhead wires dominating the view. That conscious choice, that peace I valued, has been shattered.

The constant stress has been pervasive. It genuinely impacted my mood to the point of feeling depressed. It ruined my birthday – how can you celebrate when you feel under siege in your own home? My focus suffered, impacting my performance at work. Relationships felt strained because this ‘pole issue’ consumed so much of my headspace. My life felt smaller, dimmer, overshadowed by this unwanted installation.

For What? Profit Over Peace of Mind?

And the question echoes relentlessly: For what? All this anxiety, this disruption, this documented decline in my mental well-being… so a company can potentially squeeze £12 million or more out of Tamworth using the cheapest, most visually intrusive installation method possible?

Is faster broadband worth this human cost? Is corporate profit more important than the peace, mental health, and environmental quality of the residents they claim to serve?

For me, the answer is a resounding no. LightSpeed Broadband’s arrival in Tamworth hasn’t been the dawn of a bright digital future. It’s been a dark cloud over my life. And I suspect I’m not alone.

If you’re in Tamworth and searching for information on LightSpeed, understand that the reality on the ground can be far removed from the marketing gloss. If you’ve had a similar experience, please share it. Our collective voices need to be heard.

Tell Sarah Edwards Your LightSpeed Story

“Unsightly and Devaluing Our Homes”: A Resident’s Plea from Meadow Park Against LightSpeed Poles

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 07:40:34 GMT

Sometimes, the glossy marketing of big companies clashes harshly with the reality faced by people on the ground. While LightSpeed Broadband promotes a future of seamless connectivity for Tamworth, a heartfelt plea from a resident in Meadow Park paints a starkly different picture – one of frustration, visual blight, and a feeling of powerlessness.

We recently heard from one homeowner in the Meadow Park area, and their words echo a sentiment reportedly shared by many neighbours:

“I live in Meadow Park Tamworth l am annoyed and so are a lot of the residents about light speed erecting poles and cables all over the St which look unsitley [sic] and devalue our houses…”

This isn’t just mild irritation; it’s genuine distress. The arrival of LightSpeed hasn’t brought excitement about faster downloads for this resident and others; it’s brought large, intrusive poles suddenly appearing on their streets. What LightSpeed might see as necessary infrastructure, residents see as “unsightly” additions that mar the familiar look and feel of their neighbourhood.

More Than Just an Eyesore: Fears of Devaluation

The concern goes beyond simple aesthetics. The resident explicitly mentions the fear that these installations “devalue our houses.” This is a significant worry for any homeowner. The visual impact of bulky poles and overhead wires, especially when neighbouring areas or previous installations by other providers (like BT or Virgin) are predominantly underground, can understandably lead to fears about reduced kerb appeal and, consequently, lower property values. It feels like a step backwards, potentially impacting residents’ single largest investment.

“We Were Not Informed… Surely We Have a Say?”

Perhaps one of the most telling parts of the resident’s message is the feeling of being bypassed: “…we were not informed of this surely we have a say in what is attached to our houses…”

This highlights a crucial point: communication and consent. While network operators often have permitted development rights that allow for pole installation, the perception among residents is that this is happening to them, not with them. The lack of proactive engagement or meaningful consultation leaves people feeling ignored and disrespected. The question “surely we have a say?” speaks volumes about the expectation that changes significantly impacting their immediate environment, right outside their homes, should involve their input.

An Urgent Plea: “Please Stop Them Before They Do”

The message ends with a desperate plea regarding the cables yet to be strung: “…they have not attached the cables yet please stop them l am begging you before they do.”

This captures the ongoing nature of the installation and the feeling that perhaps the worst is yet to come. It’s a cry for intervention, born from the frustration of seeing the poles appear and dreading the final step of overhead cabling further cluttering the view.

Is This Progress at the Right Price?

This resident’s experience in Meadow Park forces us to ask critical questions. Is LightSpeed’s rollout prioritising speed of deployment and cost-cutting (by avoiding underground digging) over the well-being and environmental quality of the communities they enter? Does their definition of “transforming lives” include the negative transformation of streetscapes and the anxiety caused to homeowners?

The promise of fast broadband is appealing, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of community character or resident peace of mind. The voices from Meadow Park, like the one we heard, deserve to be listened to. They are not just addresses on a network map; they are people living in homes and neighbourhoods they care about.

Are you a resident of Meadow Park or another area in Tamworth affected by LightSpeed’s pole installations? Share your experiences and concerns in the comments below. Let’s bring these local impacts into the light.

Stop LightSpeed Now

LightSpeed Broadband: Is Faster Internet Worth Scarring Tamworth’s Streets?

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 07:32:09 GMT

We all want faster, more reliable internet. In today’s world, it’s not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Companies like LightSpeed Broadband arrive promising “endless possibilities” and a connection that “transforms lives.” Their website paints a glossy picture of speed, stability, and service.

But for many residents in Tamworth, the reality of LightSpeed’s arrival isn’t about futuristic digital voice or sophisticated home security. It’s about the sudden, jarring appearance of chunky wooden or composite poles sprouting up on pavements, looming over gardens, and obstructing views from front windows.

While LightSpeed talks about moving at “LightSpeed,” their method for achieving this in parts of Tamworth feels like a giant leap backward.

Underground vs. Overhead: Why the Eyesore?

For decades, Tamworth residents have largely benefited from telecommunications infrastructure being installed discreetly underground. Major players like BT (Openreach) and Virgin Media have predominantly used ducts and trenches, preserving the character and aesthetic of our neighbourhoods. It’s the modern standard, minimizing visual clutter and disruption.

So, the question echoing through Tamworth streets is: Why is LightSpeed resorting to erecting poles?

The answer, many suspect, boils down to cost and speed of deployment – their cost and their speed, not the long-term cost to our town’s visual appeal or residents’ quality of life. Digging trenches is slower and more expensive than simply planting poles. While LightSpeed’s website boasts of efficiency and making life easier, whose life are they really making easier? It seems to be their own, potentially at the expense of the very communities they claim to serve.

Profit Over People and Place?

LightSpeed promotes itself as a company passionate about digital connection. But passion for the community seems absent when poles are erected directly in front of living room windows or casting shadows over cherished gardens. Is this truly “full-fibre the way it should be done?”

Reports and estimates suggest that rolling out their network could generate significant revenue – figures upwards of £12 million potentially being “squeezed out of Tamworth” have been mentioned. While investment is necessary for progress, the method matters. Opting for visually intrusive overhead lines, when less impactful underground methods are the norm for others, suggests a prioritisation of rapid return over community consideration.

It feels less like transforming lives and more like transforming our streetscapes for the worse, simply to maximise profit margins. They aren’t investing in Tamworth; they seem to be imposing on Tamworth.

The Broken Promise of a Better Future

LightSpeed’s marketing talks a big game about being “future-ready.” Yet, stringing cables across poles feels decidedly past-tense. Is cluttering our pavements and skylines with more poles really the vision of the future Tamworth wants or deserves?

Their website highlights “award-winning, reliable network” and “amazing customer service.” But reliability feels undermined when your primary view is suddenly dominated by a thick pole you never asked for. And where is the “amazing customer service” when residents feel their concerns about the visual blight are ignored or dismissed in the rush to deploy?

Tamworth Deserves Better

Faster broadband is welcome. But progress shouldn’t come at the cost of our town’s character. LightSpeed’s decision to use overhead poles in areas where underground infrastructure is the established practice demonstrates, for many, a fundamental lack of respect for Tamworth and its residents.

They may offer speed, but they are damaging the unique aesthetic of our neighbourhoods. They may talk about connection, but they seem disconnected from the real-world impact of their installation methods.

Before signing up for the promise of “Life at LightSpeed,” Tamworth residents should look out their windows and ask: Is this the price we’re willing to pay? Our town’s visual heritage is being eroded, one pole at a time. LightSpeed needs to understand: Tamworth is not just a market to be exploited; it’s our home.

What are your thoughts? Have you been affected by these new poles? Share your experiences in the comments below.

Complain now

How LightSpeed Broadband’s Telegraph Poles Are Ruining Tamworth’s Streets

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 19:02:18 GMT

Tamworth’s streets are changing—and not for the better. LightSpeed Broadband’s rapid expansion has brought a wave of unsightly telegraph poles and overhead cables. These structures have altered the town’s character and skyline. While faster broadband is beneficial, many residents are unhappy with the impact on their surroundings.

The Visual Impact on Tamworth’s Streets

These tall poles disrupt Tamworth’s traditional charm. Streets that once had open views now feature industrial-looking poles and thick cables. This change makes the town feel cluttered and less inviting.

Aesthetic Concerns

Historical Disruption – LightSpeed Broadband’s poles contrast sharply with the town’s traditional architecture.
Skyline Obstruction – Many once-open streets now have views broken up by poles and wires.
Decreased Property Appeal – Some homeowners fear the poles will lower property values.

A Lack of Consultation and Transparency

Many residents are frustrated by the lack of communication from LightSpeed Broadband. Some homeowners woke up to find new poles outside their homes with no prior notice. Instead of using underground cables, the company chose these poles as a cost-effective option, despite community concerns.

Safety and Accessibility Issues

The poles bring practical problems beyond their appearance:

Obstruction on Narrow Streets – Some poles make pavements harder to navigate for wheelchair users, pedestrians, and parents with prams.
Potential Hazards – Above-ground cables and poles are more vulnerable to storm damage, increasing the risk of power outages and falling debris.
Unnecessary Clutter – In areas where underground infrastructure exists, new telegraph poles seem redundant.

What Can Be Done?

If you’re concerned about LightSpeed Broadband’s poles in Tamworth, here’s what you can do:

Raise Awareness – Share photos and concerns on social media and local forums.
Contact Local Authorities – Reach out to Tamworth Borough Council to express concerns.
Petition for Change – A petition can pressure LightSpeed Broadband to consider underground cabling.
Engage with LightSpeed Broadband – Direct feedback may encourage the company to rethink its approach.

Conclusion

Fast broadband is essential, but it shouldn’t ruin a town’s character. LightSpeed Broadband’s telegraph poles have altered Tamworth’s streets. Residents deserve a say in how their community is shaped. By voicing concerns, we can push for better infrastructure planning that balances progress with preservation.

Complain to Council

Tamworth Residents Are Fighting Back: Protest Signs Appear on LightSpeed Broadband Poles

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 17:41:49 GMT

LightSpeed Broadband’s rapid installation of telegraph poles across Tamworth has sparked outrage among residents. In response, protest signs have begun appearing on the very poles they oppose. This grassroots action highlights growing frustration over the company’s disregard for local concerns and the lack of consultation before erecting these structures.

Why Are Residents Protesting?

Tamworth residents are angry that LightSpeed Broadband is installing poles without their permission, often outside their homes. Many argue that these structures ruin the look of their streets, lower property values, and create unnecessary visual clutter. Other broadband providers, like BT and Virgin Media, have used underground cables to avoid these issues—so why won’t LightSpeed do the same?

Protest Signs: A Community Response

Frustrated homeowners and community members have started attaching signs to LightSpeed Broadband’s poles, expressing their opposition. Some messages call for the poles to be removed, while others urge neighbours to complain to the council or their MP. This form of peaceful protest is sending a clear message: Tamworth will not accept these poles without a fight. You can see LSN carved into the the pole which stands for !LightSpeed Network”.

Does LightSpeed Broadband Need Permission?

One of the biggest concerns is that LightSpeed Broadband does not need permission from residents or even the local council to install poles. Thanks to legal loopholes, telecom companies can put up these structures under permitted development rights. This means communities have little say in the matter—unless they push back.

What Can You Do?

If a LightSpeed Broadband pole has appeared outside your home, you’re not alone. Here’s how you can take action:

✅ Contact Your MP – Let Sarah Edwards MP know how this is affecting you.
✅ Complain to Staffordshire Council – Demand they pressure LightSpeed for accountability.
✅ Join the Community Protest – Add your own sign or support others raising awareness.
✅ Raise Awareness Online – Share photos and updates on social media to spread the word.

Will LightSpeed Listen?

LightSpeed Broadband has ignored many resident concerns, refusing to provide clear answers about why some streets get underground cables while others get poles. However, public pressure has already made an impact in some areas, and if enough people push back, they may be forced to reconsider their approach.

Make Your Voice Heard!

Tamworth residents are showing that they won’t be ignored. If you want to stop these poles from taking over your neighbourhood, take action today.

🔹 Complain to Sarah Edwards MP
🔹 Submit a complaint to Staffordshire Council

Together, we can fight back against unwanted infrastructure and protect our community!

Can LightSpeed Broadband Really Install Poles Without Permission?

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 16:33:59 GMT

LightSpeed Broadband is installing poles across Tamworth, but many residents are shocked to learn they can do this without permission. How can this happen, and what does it mean for your home?

The Legal Loopholes Behind Pole Installations

In the UK, telecom companies like LightSpeed Broadband have the legal right to install infrastructure in certain areas. While other companies may ask for permission, LightSpeed doesn’t need consent for poles in many locations. This is because of a law that allows them to install infrastructure on public land without the need for direct approval.

Why Doesn’t LightSpeed Need Permission?

LightSpeed Broadband uses a legal framework that allows telecom companies to deploy poles and cables in public spaces. This means they can install equipment like poles along roads or streets without asking for permission from residents or even the local council. This is a controversial area, and many believe this system favours big corporations over the community.

What Does This Mean for Your Property?

If LightSpeed Broadband chooses to install poles near your property, you may have little control over it. They do not have to get your permission first, and they can even install poles that affect your view or access to your home. This can be frustrating for residents who are suddenly faced with unsightly infrastructure outside their doors.

The Lack of Local Control

Local councils may have limited influence when it comes to approving pole installations. While residents can raise concerns, it is difficult to stop LightSpeed from going ahead with their plans. This lack of control is causing distress in many communities.

What Can You Do About It?

If you feel frustrated by LightSpeed Broadband’s actions, you can take a stand. You can reach out to your MP, your local council, or even start a petition. It’s important to make your voice heard and demand more accountability for decisions that impact our streets.

Take Action Today

LightSpeed Broadband may not need permission to install poles, but we still have the right to question their decisions. Make your voice heard and push for changes that put the community first.

Complain now

The Truth About LightSpeed Broadband: Why Won’t They Bury Their Cables?

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 16:17:56 GMT

LightSpeed Broadband has been rolling out its service across Tamworth. But many residents keep asking: Why won’t they bury their cables like BT or Virgin Media? As LightSpeed Broadband erects poles across the town, it’s clear they’re not considering underground cabling. Other telecom providers like BT and Virgin have successfully used underground infrastructure. So why is LightSpeed taking a different approach?

The Case for Underground Cables

Underground cables offer many benefits. They’re visually appealing and more practical. They reduce the risk of damage from weather, accidents, or vandalism. They also don’t disrupt the neighbourhood’s aesthetic. Roads and pavements may need temporary digging, but once the cables are in place, the streets look as good as new.

BT and Virgin Media have invested heavily in underground cables in Tamworth. They offer customers a discreet and reliable service. So, why can’t LightSpeed do the same?

LightSpeed’s Approach: Above Ground and Overhead

Unlike BT and Virgin, LightSpeed Broadband has decided to install poles in various streets. They claim this method is faster and cheaper. However, it causes significant disruption. Residents report their streets turning into eyesores with cables running across homes, gardens, and the skyline. This is not the kind of progress people hoped for.

LightSpeed Broadband says they can’t use existing BT infrastructure or bury cables underground in some areas. They claim some streets lack underground ducts. But when you look at streets like Belvedere Close and Farm Close, LightSpeed has already installed underground cabling. So, why do they treat some streets differently?

Cost vs. Aesthetics: What’s Really Behind the Decision?

One of the most frustrating aspects of LightSpeed’s refusal to bury cables underground is their insistence that it’s not “viable.” Yet, they choose to install poles instead. Many residents suspect that LightSpeed Broadband prioritises saving costs over supporting the community in the long term. Digging up roads to bury cables costs money. Erecting poles is cheaper, which increases their profit.

LightSpeed claims they are investing £12 million into Tamworth’s digital infrastructure. But where is this money really going? Is it funding the best service for the community, or is LightSpeed using it to increase profits?

Why Doesn’t LightSpeed Broadband Follow in the Footsteps of BT and Virgin?

The key question remains: Why won’t LightSpeed bury their cables underground like BT and Virgin? While they cite cost and feasibility issues, underground cabling is clearly possible. Other providers have done it. So why does LightSpeed avoid this option?

If you live in Tamworth or an area LightSpeed is targeting, ask these tough questions. We need answers to understand the reasons behind their decisions. It’s important to demand more transparency from LightSpeed and a better approach to infrastructure.

The Way Forward: Demand Better from LightSpeed

Tamworth residents deserve better than poles and wires overtaking their neighbourhoods. We must continue to push for a more sustainable and aesthetically pleasing solution. Whether it’s through local councils, MPs, or community engagement, we need to make our voices heard.

Underground infrastructure is feasible and preferred. LightSpeed must stop cutting corners and consider the long-term effects of their decisions on our communities.

Make Your Voice Heard – Complain to Sarah Edwards MP or the Council!

Submit your complaint