New homes in England will be built with gigabit broadband connections thanks to new laws brought in by the Government.
Ministers have amended the Building Regulations 2010 to ensure that new homes constructed in England will be fitted with infrastructure and connections to deliver gigabit broadband – the fastest internet speeds on the market.
Gigabit broadband is currently available in over 72 per cent of the UK and the updated regulations mean that more people moving into new homes will have a gigabit-capable broadband connection ready when construction is completed.
In a further boost to people’s access to better broadband another new law has made it easier to install faster internet connections in blocks of flats when landlords repeatedly ignore requests for access from broadband firms.
The Telecommunications Infrastructure (Leasehold Property) Act (TILPA), now in force in England and Wales, makes it easier for broadband providers to gain access to install equipment in blocks of flats when a faster connection is requested by a tenant. It is estimated that an extra 2,100 residential buildings a year will be connected as a result.
Harrogate and Knaresborough MP, Andrew Jones, said “Fast and reliable broadband is an important part of improving people’s quality of life and boosting economic growth. This is because a fast broadband connection opens up a wide range of education and employment opportunities.
“I am pleased to see further action has been taken to help flat tenants who rightfully want better internet speeds.
“I look forward to learning how these changes will will benefit people across Harrogate and Knaresborough.”
Connection costs will be capped at £2,000 per home for developers and who will work together with network operators to connect developments to the gigabit network. It is estimated over 98 per cent of premises fall within this cap.
Where a developer is unable to secure a gigabit-capable connection within the cost cap developers must install the next fastest connection available.
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