Harrow’s Digital Infrastructure

There are two main types of fibre connections available:

1. Superfast Fibre-to-the-Cabinet (FTTC). This uses a mixture of fibre-optic cables and copper wires.

2. Ultrafast full fibre (FTTP). This involves fibre optic cables running in to homes.

The majority of connections in the UK are FTTC but Openreach are looking to upgrade their connections to FTTP over the coming years. Currently, 58% of Harrow residents have access to Full Fibre. (Source: Ofcom Connection Nations Spring 2024. The London Average is 62.1%.

There are also cable networks which use fibre optic and coaxial cables to deliver superfast broadband services, as well as TV and phone services, direct to homes.

The quality of your broadband depends on the type of fibre connection you have. The best connection is FTTP but FTTC can meet most household needs.

If your connection is poor, firstly you'll need to ask your telecoms' provider if there are issues in your area.

If the capacity of your broadband is low, you can ask what type of connection you currently have. Is it FTTC or FTTP/full fibre?

Openreach has already rolled out their “Fibre First” (FTTP) programme in Kenton and  Hatch End. In December 2023, they announced a plan to install Full Fibre (FTTP) in much of the rest of Harrow by April 2025. More information can be found on the Openreach website.

Most broadband providers, including  BT, TalkTalk, and PlusNet, use Openreach’s infrastructure to provide a service to individual homes.

There are other providers that have their own infrastructure, including Community Fibre and Hyperoptic. It is worth checking their websites to see if their service is available in your area.

If Openreach will not upgrade your area, you have some options:

1. Openreach Community Fibre Partnership. If you're not part of their current fibre plans, explore what Openreach describe as a 'co-funded fibre option.'
2. Registering your interest online. You can register you interest on broadband providers' websites. This helps them get a picture of potential demand in your area. It can also help influence their investment plans.
3. Contacting the Council. There are some circumstances where the Council may be able to help. For more information, email edo.edo@harrow.gov.uk.

Social tariffs provide a safety net for customers. They may help if you are struggling to pay for your broadband or phone service.

You can find out more about social tariffs on the Ofcom website.

We follow the advice and rules set by the national Government. The rules come via Public Health England (PHE). They cover health and safety issues related to mobile phone signals and transmission. Since April 2021, PHE is known as the UK Health Security Agency and Office for Health Improvement and Disparities.

PHE endorses the international guidelines. They are for limiting exposure to radio waves. The International Commission for Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) published them.

The guidelines cover many uses of radio frequencies. These include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile tech. The guidelines now take full account of 5G operating at higher frequencies.

Mobile companies must ensure that their signals do not exceed the limits in the ICNIRP guidelines. The guidelines aim to protect the public. Planning requires a statement with planning applications. It must say that, when operational, equipment will follow the ICNIRP guidelines. These guidelines limit exposure to electromagnetic fields.

For more information, see Public Health Guidance and a guide on 5G mobile technology.

Masts are needed for wireless services including calls, texts, and internet. They act as a hub for sending and receiving signals between mobile devices and networks.

This is needed for 4G and 5G telecommunication systems.

Mobile network operators such as Vodafone and Three typically own telecoms masts. They can also be owned by independent tower companies.

The companies lease space on the mast to the mobile network operators.

As of April 2022, new ground-based mobile masts can be up to 30 metres in non-protected areas. In protected areas (like conservation areas and national parks) they can be up to 25 metres. These are allowed under 'Permitted Development.'

This means that applications for masts up to 30m high can only be refused for 'siting and appearance'. They can't be refused for the need for new infrastructure or other factors beyond the application.

The Local Planning Authority may consider factors. These include:

• a mast’s height relative to the land and buildings
• the materials, design, and colours used.

When is a planning application required for a new telecoms mast?

Masts fall into three categories. This is under planning regulations and include:

• Permitted development. Planning permission is granted through national legislation.
• Prior approval. Where masts are under 30 metres in height, planners can only look at the 'siting' and appearance. This is when they are considering to grant or refuse planning permission.
• Full planning permission. Masts will need full planning permission if they are over:
  • 30 metres in height from ground level or
  • 15 metres in height on a building.

You only need planning permission from the council if:

• the proposals come under prior approval or
• the proposals come under full planning permission categories.

For more information, see:

• Planning rules for 5G masts in England.
• Telecoms masts – What is your question about?

The local planning authority (LPA) has to consult the public. The (LPA has  to do this for both full planning applications and prior approval applications. Application details are published on our planning page.

We may also display site notices and we may send notification letters to local residents.

Yes. If we refuse planning permission or a prior approval application, the applicant can appeal it. They can do this through the national Planning Inspectorate. The decision of the Planning Inspectorate is binding.