Frequently Asked Questions

How are residents informed of planning for poles?

Residents directly impacted are notified by letter from Manx Telecom Wholesale as part of the planning process for poles. Planning notices will also be displayed in relevant areas and local authorities are also informed.

Why aren't fibre cables laid underground in all areas?

Installing fibre underground is ideal for new developments but presents challenges in existing areas due to logistical complexities and cost. Retrospective excavation involves obtaining agreements from numerous landowners and can disrupt driveways and gardens. Despite these challenges, we prioritise efficiency and aim to provide fibre access to all residents, whether through poles or underground methods where feasible.

Why are Manx Telecom using Poles for the fibre rollout?

Building a full fibre broadband network requires careful planning and consideration of various factors. While underground ducts are preferred where available, poles offer an efficient and cost-effective solution in areas where underground installation is not feasible.

Poles enable us to reach more properties quickly, minimise disruption to communities, and ensure efficient network deployment.

They are already integral to the island's infrastructure, with Manx Telecom currently utilising approximately 2,500 poles, and the Manx Utilities Authority maintaining around 10,000. Leveraging existing infrastructure and collaborating with relevant service providers is a priority for Manx Telecom, ensuring efficient network expansion

How is the decision made to use poles?

Detailed site surveys and planning occurs six months before infrastructure rollout to determine the most suitable method for providing Fibre to the Premises (FTTP). In many areas there will be existing underground ducting for copper that can be reused to provide Fibre underground. However in some areas there is either no existing ducting or it's not possible to use, at which point Manx Telecom will review all available options to provide it underground and determine whether each method is suitable. The methods that would be considered include: using existing 3rd party (MUA, DOI etc)  infrastructure, narrow and micro trenching, percussion/impact moling and mole ploughing. If these methods are deemed not suitable, fibre will be deployed using new poles and a Planning Application submitted.

Note: there will likely be Manx Telecom manholes in areas but that does not itself indicate whether there is useable underground ducting or not.

How will the installation of telegraph poles impact our house prices?

While there is no evidence to suggest that the installation of telegraph poles reduces house prices, there is substantial evidence indicating that access to full fibre increases property values. Additionally, as the full fibre network becomes more widespread, the absence of access to it may gradually have a negative impact on house prices.

What if residents object to new poles?

If there are objections during the planning phase, it could potentially delay the availability of fibre in the area

How widespread is the use of poles globally for fibre deployment?

Poles remain a standard practice for many operators worldwide when installing new infrastructure. They offer a versatile solution, particularly in areas where underground installation is impractical or cost-prohibitive. In many places like the UK, poles do not require planning permission and are used to extensively rollout fibre networks.

We appreciate the cooperation of residents as we work to upgrade our community with full fibre broadband. Your feedback is valuable to us, and we remain committed to delivering reliable, high-speed internet access to every household and business. Together, we can build a more connected future for the Isle of Man.