Ogi and Vorboss demand tougher sanctions on fibre vandals

Ogi and Vorboss have written to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, asking for more protection against intentional damage to full fibre broadband infrastructure.

It cites recent vandalism in Liverpool, London, Pembrokeshire and Sheffield.

Specifically, the altnets are asking for a review into police engagement with these incidents, criminal punishment for such malicious attacks, and industry compliance with current security rules.

The letter states that Intentional damage to fibre infrastructure should also be categorised as a criminal offense distinct from ordinary criminal damage due to the potential risks to life and the critical role that full fibre plays in keeping communities connected and safe.

Specifically, it proposes that perpetrators of such acts face the threat of ‘lengthy prison terms’ and ‘appropriate fines’.

The letter also calls for the industry to become stronger on whereabouts compliance, especially in light of infrastructure sharing.

This involves logging each time someone enters or accesses a shared network.

It said: “Whilst Openreach already has the contractual mandate to do this, it is also in competition with the network operators that use its ducts and poles.

“Its position is then potentially conflicted. If it cannot meaningfully enforce high ‘whereabouts’ compliance standards, Ofcom should step in and oversee measures to improve co-ordination of compliance rates.”

The letter is co-signed by:

Robert Burles, Director of Regulatory Policy, AllPoints Fibre Networks
Lloyd Felton, CEO , Country Broadband
Max Fernando, Head of Regulatory & Compliance, Glide
Ian Fishwick, Chairman, Airband
Sonya Graham, Director and Company Secretary, Broadband for Surrey
Andy Hepburn, COO, GoFibre
John Irvine, CEO, WightFibre
Neil McArthyr MBE, CEO, Freedom Fibre
Guy Miller, CEO, MS3 Networks
Scott Pearce, Vice President & General Counsel (Europe), Zayo Group UK
Tim Pilcher, Chief Executive, Glide
Tom Rigg, COO, B4RN
Tim Stranack, Founder & Director, Community Fibre (Chair, INCA)