Councillor Keeping to move:

That this Council notes that:

·       Some housing developers have exclusivity arrangements with telecommunications providers which restrict the installation of digital infrastructure on new built developments, creating a monopoly of provision and curtailing resident choice of internet access providers.

·       For developments on unadopted roads, this can have a long-term consequences as the developer can restrict the installation of alternative provision.

·       For developments on public highways, such arrangements will have a shorter-term impact – measured in years – but still has an inequitable effect.

This Council believes that access to affordable and reliable internet access is an ever-increasing necessity in the modern world, and that this is best ensured by allowing residents a full choice of possible providers. Moreover, this Council believes that access to such connections, and new technologies as they become available, is an economic imperative for our town.

Consequently, this Council resolves to instruct officers to explore the implementation of an ‘open access’ principle for digital infrastructure providers on all new build developments in Reading as part of the forthcoming update of the Local Plan. Furthermore, this Council resolves to write to the Secretary of State to call for the application of such a principle nationally in the planning policy framework and guidance.

Pursuant to Notice, a motion was moved by Councillor Keeping and seconded by Councillor Leng and CARRIED:

Resolved –

That this Council notes that:

·                     Some housing developers have exclusivity arrangements with telecommunications providers which restrict the installation of digital infrastructure on new built developments, creating a monopoly of provision and curtailing resident choice of internet access providers.

·                     For developments on unadopted roads, this can have a long-term consequences as the developer can restrict the installation of alternative provision.

·                     For developments on public highways, such arrangements will have a shorter-term impact – measured in years – but still has an inequitable effect.

This Council believes that access to affordable and reliable internet access is an ever-increasing necessity in the modern world, and that this is best ensured by allowing residents a full choice of possible providers. Moreover, this Council believes that access to such connections, and new technologies as they become available, is an economic imperative for our town.

Consequently, this Council resolves to instruct officers to explore the implementation of an ‘open access’ principle for digital infrastructure providers on all new build developments in Reading as part of the forthcoming update of the Local Plan. Furthermore, this Council resolves to write to the Secretary of State to call for the application of such a principle nationally in the planning policy framework and guidance.