Fibre Cabinet In Surrey Is Named As UK’s Most Picturesque
Fibre cabinets can be just as iconic as the red phone box say superfast broadband advocates
The UK’s most picturesque fibre cabinet has been named as Splayfoil Road in Weybridge, Surrey by the Fibre Infrastructure Appreciation Society (FIAS), which was formed in the wake of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea’s decision to refuse planning permission for a cabinet in 2012.
Permission for cabinets in the borough has since been granted, but FIAS has remained committed to raising awareness of not only the economic and social benefits of superfast broadband, but also the aesthetic quality of the physical infrastructure supporting fibre in the UK.
Iconic design
“Fibre cabinets have been given an unfair reputation, but it is important to remember that the iconic red British telephone box was not universally popular when the K6 model was launched in 1936,” says Floyd Ariapols, chairman of FIAS and head of the judging panel. “We believe that the fibre cabinets that bring a range of benefits to millions of people around the UK will eventually be seen as a similar triumph of British design.”
Ariapols says many of the entries demonstrated how the fibre cabinets could be turned into street art, with some camouflaged to fit in with their environment. However, Splayfoil Road (pictured) was the judging panel’s favourite because of the ease at which it complemented its environment without the need for alteration.
Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries Ed Vaizey presented the award to Elmbidge Borough Council, which says fibre has completely changed the town, allowing residents to access public services online, work remotely and, most importantly, watch streaming services such as BBC iPlayer.
“Some of the cabinets are true works of art and prime examples of how local councils can make the most out of their street furniture,” adds Ariapols. “However the Splayfoil Road cabinet demonstrates how the design can become as iconic as the K6 or the red pillar post boxes that have become national institutions and fixtures on Britain’s streets.”
The government is aiming to bring superfast broadband to 95 percent of the UK population by 2017 and has announced details of a further £250 million to be distributed to local authorities to extend coverage to areas not covered by commercial roll-outs or BDUK, which has already brought superfast broadband to more than 300,000 properties.
It’s good to know that the roll-out will also be adding to the nation’s beauty.
This was of course an April Fool’s Day story, but should anyone wish to form the FIAS, you have our blessing. Oh, and if you think your local fibre cabinet is indeed the UK’s most picturesque, then please send us the photos so we can add them to our gallery below.
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