Original article ISPreview UK:Read More
A little over a year has passed since broadband and telecoms giant BT announced a 10-year project, which aimed to convert a further 2,000 of the operator’s legacy payphones and kiosks – across more than 200 UK towns and cities – into smart Street Hubs, starting this year (here). But objections by some local authorities are starting to mount.
At the last update in March 2024, BT had already upgraded around 1,000 of their old payphone boxes to Street Hub 2 units, which typically offer features such as “up to” 1Gbps capable public WiFi internet connectivity (“within a 150-metre radius“), free UK calling, USB device charging, small cells to boost localised 4G or 5G mobile signals, local information / adverts via a large HD touchscreen display and environmental sensors etc.
However, the rollout seems to be running into a few obstacles, with the planning departments of several local authorities rejecting a growing number of BT’s proposed deployments. For example, 27 similar schemes were rejected in Bristol city centre last year, following 750 objections from members of the public.
In addition, similar rejections have recently occurred across locations such as Swindon and Salisbury in Wiltshire, Dursley and Stroud in Gloucestershire, and Bristol. Such objections are often particularly strong when BT has been looking to deploy the kiosks inside of conservation areas, where greater scrutiny is often to be expected.
Most of the rejections tend to highlight issues with the kiosk’s siting, design, scale and illumination (Punchl!ne). For example, the Dursely Town Council initially accepted the principle of BT’s idea, but ultimately described the kiosks as “alien” and “incongruous” – one of “an inappropriate design and appearance“.
Planners had something similar to say about BT’s future deployment in Bristol’s Staple Hill and Kingswood: “The proposals would occupy valuable walkway space, restricting the flow of pedestrian movement and hindering accessibility for individuals with mobility issues, serve as a distraction, and obstruct pedestrians’ views, thereby exacerbating safety risks for pedestrians.”
A BT Group Spokesperson told ISPreview:
“Street Hubs are digital units which support our Universal Service Obligation to provide a public call service in the UK. We work with council departments, community members, and BID (Business Improvement District) teams to refine our location selection process.
As well as offering connectivity to make calls and utilise free public Wi-Fi, Street Hubs also offer USBs for rapid device charging, touch-screen tablets displaying real-time public information and a dedicated 999 calling button.”