I want to object to, move or remove Openreach equipment in my area

Openreach equipment (such as telephone poles, green street cabinets, underground chambers, and overhead cables) that help to provide phone and broadband services across the UK. If you’re planning building work or have concerns about new installations near your property, we’re here to help.

Doing building work?

If Openreach equipment is in the way of your project, we can assess and safely relocate or remove it. Whether you’re carrying out building work, want a pole moved from your property, or need to object to a new one, we understand this can be frustrating. Here’s what to do and who to contact depending on your situation.

What you need to do depends on your situation

Building work - equipment in your way

Planning building work and our equipment is blocking your project? We can help move or remove it safely.

What to do now:

1. Check it's our equipment using our equipment identification guide

2. Complete our building work form at Network relocation request

3. We'll contact you within 3 working days to discuss next steps

What happens next:

We assess what needs moving or removing
Agree the best approach with you
May involve temporary removal during your project
Reinstall equipment if needed once work is complete

What should I do now?

Contact your service provider. They manage your order or repair and can:

Check the status of your appointment and find out what happens next
Rebook if necessary
Confirm your contact details are correct so you receive updates – check your messages and junk folders in case you've missed anything

Object to a new or recent pole

Unhappy with a pole location? Your options depend on how long it's been there.

For poles installed less than 12 months ago:

You can object within the standard objection period
Complete the pole objection form
Or write to our Pole Objections Team (address below)

For poles older than 12 months:

While this is outside of the standard objection period, relocation may still be possible
Charges may apply
Complete our network relocation request form

Objecting to a planned pole installation

Seen a notice about a new pole being installed? You can object before installation.

How to object:

Complete the pole objection form
Or write to us at the address below
Pole Objections Team address: Openreach
6th Floor, Lancaster House
Old Hall Street
Liverpool L3 9PY

Include the following:

Photo of the installation notice
Exact location and full postcode
Your full name and complete address
Phone number and email address
Explain why you’re objecting

Not sure if it’s Openreach equipment?

We can only access equipment that belongs to us. Here are some guidelines to help you identify if it’s ours before you get in touch.

Our equipment includes:

Telephone poles and wooden posts (Often marked with BT, GPO or PO)
(Usually) Green street cabinets
Underground chambers and covers
Overhead cables and wires
Distribution points on buildings (Small grey boxes with Openreach branding on them)

Download our equipment identification guide with photos and descriptions to help you.

Not our equipment? Contact the relevant utility provider shown on the equipment or your local council if you’re unsure.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to move Openreach equipment?

Costs vary depending on your situation. If equipment needs moving for your building work, we may cover costs if it's a simple relocation. For pole objections outside the 12-month period, charges could apply. We'll provide a quote after assessing your request.
How long does it take to move or remove equipment?

Timescales depend on complexity. Simple removals may take a few weeks, while complex relocations involving new installations could take up to several months. We'll give you a realistic timeframe when we assess your request.
Can I move Openreach equipment myself?

Never attempt to move, remove, or interfere with our equipment yourself. This is dangerous and could result in service outages for you and your neighbours. Always contact us first - Our engineers are trained to handle it safely.