BT is being challenged by conservationist groups in Brighton over the installation of cabinets to provide next-generation broadband in the area.
Five conservation societies have joined forces to campaign against the broadband boxes, although they say they are not completely against the cabinets, according to local paper The Argus.
The groups have written to BT asking to be consulted before the cabinets are introduced to various parts of the coastal city.
The letter, seen by The Argus, described the boxes as "monster cabinets" and expressed concerns over the lack of consultation on the impact the installations could have.
BT has made numerous planning applications to implement the boxes and the local council has already approved some.
"We do fully appreciate the concerns of the conservation and amenities committees regarding the siting of our super-fast broadband cabinets in certain parts of the city," a BT spokesman told IT PRO.
However, he said the new equipment is "necessary" to provide faster speeds over a fibre network and the installations are "essential" if Brighton is to see the benefits of the technology.
"But we are committed to working with local authorities to minimise the visual impact of the new street cabinets, and have done this successfully in other conservation areas," the spokesman added.
This is not the first time BT has come up against problems with its boxes.
Last year, Haringey Council blocked the installation of cabinets in Muswell Hill after local residents and a conservation committee complained.
Just last month BT committed to providing fibre broadband to 87 per cent of homes and small businesses in London by spring 2011.
