The UK government has introduced new laws requiring all new homes in England to be built with gigabit broadband connections, while landlords will be legally obligated to future-proof new homes for gigabit broadband as standard practice during construction. These changes to the Building Regulations 2010 will ensure that connection costs are capped at £2,000 per home for developers, covering around 98% of premises.
Developers will work together with network operators to connect developments to the gigabit network. If a developer is unable to secure a gigabit-capable connection within the cost cap, they must install the next fastest connection available. If a gigabit-capable connection is not available within the cost cap, developers still need to install infrastructure such as ducts, chambers, and termination points.
The new legislation also makes it easier for broadband providers to gain access to blocks of flats to install equipment when a faster connection is requested by a tenant. The Telecommunications Infrastructure (Leasehold Property) Act is expected to connect an additional 2,100 residential buildings each year.
Broadband providers have reported that around 40% of their requests for access to install connections receive no response. The new legislation is expected to address this issue, enabling millions of renters to upgrade to faster broadband speeds.
The introduction of gigabit broadband for new homes is a significant step towards future-proofing the UK’s broadband infrastructure. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards remote work and online learning, highlighting the importance of fast and reliable broadband connectivity. With more people working and studying from home, the demand for high-speed internet connectivity has increased dramatically.
The government’s new legislation will ensure that new homes are built with the necessary infrastructure to provide fast and reliable broadband, while also making it easier for broadband providers to connect residential buildings to their networks. These changes will benefit millions of renters and new homeowners, providing them with access to the fastest broadband speeds available.
In conclusion, the UK government’s new legislation requiring all new homes in England to be built with gigabit broadband connections is a significant step towards future-proofing the country’s broadband infrastructure. The changes to the Building Regulations 2010 and the Telecommunications Infrastructure (Leasehold Property) Act will benefit millions of renters and new homeowners, ensuring they have access to fast and reliable broadband from the day they move in. As more people work and study from home, the demand for high-speed internet connectivity will only continue to grow, making the government’s decision to make gigabit broadband mandatory for new homes a critical one.
