Ofcom Fines UK Broadband Provider Brsk £14,000 for Pole Installation Violations

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British broadband provider Brsk, also known as Netomnia, has been penalized by Ofcom for non-compliance with regulations during its recent infrastructure deployment in Birmingham.

July 7, 2025

On July 4, 2025, Ofcom imposed a fine of £14,000 on Brsk following violations related to the installation of telecoms poles in Birmingham. The operator installed hundreds of 9-meter-high poles and street cabinets without proper consultation with local planning authorities, breaching two key regulations of the Electronic Communications Code.

Brsk, currently in the process of merging with Netomnia, has deployed its full fibre network to 2.5 million UK homes, with plans to expand further. The deployment of overhead fibre via poles is a cost-effective and quick method, often used across the UK, but must adhere to certain guidelines.

The local Birmingham authorities raised concerns about Brsk’s failure to inform them prior to installing the equipment, which led to Ofcom’s investigations. Despite acknowledging the lapses in communication, Brsk took steps to rectify the situation by engaging with the planning authority retroactively and committing to better compliance in the future.

Ofcom’s decision highlights the importance of following established procedures to ensure local community input and safety are considered during infrastructure updates. While the financial impact on Brsk is minimal, the case emphasizes regulatory adherence and community engagement in network deployment projects.