Please accept this email as acknowledgement of your complaint.

In relation to your comment:

"The previous provider, Spring Fibre, had committed to underground installation after consulting with the community. Your decision to revert to telegraph poles disregards this agreement and undermines local trust."

We would like to clarify the approach of the previous provider (see extract below), at no stage did they state that all network would be underground.

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Regarding the installation of telegraph poles, as communicated at the event, we have put an immediate moratorium on our current plans. This means that for the foreseeable future, and until we have reviewed all the feedback, there will be no poles installed in Garforth.

Options we shared at the meeting that we would consider once we have reviewed all the feedback include:

1. We proceed with pole installations as planned – which we understand is not an option that the residents who attended the meeting would like us to take forward.
2. We proceed with a hybrid solution of a much-reduced number of poles (the intent being that we minimise directly impacting residents' properties wherever possible) combined with underground infrastructure – which would necessitate engagement with those residents who are impacted by the pole installation.
3. We proceed with underground infrastructure only – which has a fundamental impact on the cost and therefore the competitiveness of our service offering to residents.
4. We abandon our plans for full fibre internet to Garforth – and we consider options on the asset we have already built to another provider

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Both Mr Burgon your local MP and Councillor Dobson have been informed of the primary reasons why the underground network is not a viable option.

Our CEO has been in correspondence with Mr Burgon your local MP and Cllr Mark Dobson and is awaiting confirmation of availability to arrange a suitable date and time for a meeting.

We anticipate that this matter will be addressed during the meeting.

Our approach prioritises the use of existing infrastructure to limit trench excavation, footpath closures, roadworks, and diversions. While we have successfully collaborated with some infrastructure partners to utilise existing infrastructure in certain areas, unfortunately, the infrastructure in specific locations is not suitable for shared use.

Installing fibre via telegraph poles is a well-established, efficient, minimally disruptive method with a low environmental impact. While we understand that some residents would prefer an underground network, this approach presents considerable challenges. The risk of damaging existing underground utilities, many of which have not been installed to industry standards is high.

Consultations with affected residents are held on a single location basis, as each location has differing circumstances.

We appreciate you taking the time to contact us and hope this response addresses your concerns.

Thank you for contacting Giggle Fibre