What's Happening?
The UK government has initiated a consultation to address ongoing challenges in deploying gigabit-capable broadband to flats, particularly those with leasehold tenure. Despite significant progress towards nationwide gigabit coverage, reaching 89% of premises,
deployment to flats lags behind, with only 79.6% having access. The government aims to enhance economic growth and productivity by improving broadband access, which is crucial for international competitiveness. The current legal framework, the Electronic Communications Code, and the Telecommunications Infrastructure (Leasehold Property) Act 2021, have not fully resolved issues such as identifying the correct party for negotiations and incentivizing freeholders to cooperate. The proposed policy seeks to empower leaseholders to request gigabit-capable connections and obligate freeholders to comply, thereby facilitating faster deployment.
Why It's Important?
Improving broadband access in flats is vital for economic development and maintaining the UK's competitive edge globally. The lack of gigabit-capable connections in flats affects approximately 1.2 million residences in England and Wales, potentially hindering economic activities and digital inclusion. By addressing these barriers, the UK government aims to ensure that all residential areas, including flats, benefit from high-speed internet, which is essential for modern business operations, remote work, and access to digital services. The proposed measures could lead to increased investment in broadband infrastructure, benefiting both the telecommunications industry and consumers.
What's Next?
The consultation on the proposed measures will continue until February 2026, allowing stakeholders to provide input on the policy. If implemented, the new rights for leaseholders and obligations for freeholders could significantly accelerate broadband deployment in flats. The government and network operators will need to collaborate closely to ensure the successful rollout of these measures. The outcome of the consultation could influence future legislative changes and set a precedent for addressing similar infrastructure challenges in other sectors.
