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.