UK Government Proposes New Policy to Expand Gigabit Broadband Access to Flats

The UK government has unveiled a significant consultation aimed at addressing one of the country’s persistent connectivity challenges: deploying gigabit-capable broadband to harder-to-reach property types, particularly flats. This initiative comes as the UK continues its progress toward achieving nationwide gigabit broadband coverage by 2032, with the current coverage standing at 89% of premises. Despite this advancement, significant gaps remain, especially among flats, which lag behind other property types. The government’s proposed policy intends to bridge this digital divide and enhance the UK’s economic growth, productivity, and global competitiveness in the digital age.

Challenges in Reaching Flats with Gigabit Broadband

According to data from May 2025, while 86.1% of residential premises have access to gigabit-capable broadband, only 79.6% of flats enjoy the same connectivity, leaving an estimated 1.2 million flats in England and Wales underserved. Several barriers contribute to this gap, including difficulties in identifying the correct party to negotiate access rights with and the lack of motivation for freeholders to respond to network operators’ deployment requests. While the Telecommunications Infrastructure (Leasehold Property) Act (TILPA) 2021 aimed to improve matters by offering a fast-track court route for unresolved cases, issues persist, particularly for flats that rely on leasehold arrangements.

Strengthening Leaseholders’ Rights to Drive Broadband Deployment

To address these persistent barriers, the government’s proposed policy hinges on enhancing leaseholders’ legal ability to request gigabit-capable broadband connections while simultaneously placing a duty on freeholders to cooperate reasonably. A key aspect of the proposal is adding an implied right to existing leases, empowering residential leaseholders to initiate these deployment requests. This mechanism essentially acts as a “nudge measure,” designed to encourage freeholders to engage promptly with network operators and facilitate smoother negotiations.

The policy would apply to residential leaseholders in buildings with two or more dwellings and target broadband installations capable of delivering speeds of 1,000 Mbps or more. By simplifying legal pathways and incentivizing freeholder cooperation, the proposed plan aims to significantly narrow the connectivity gap in multi-dwelling units while complementing the existing Electronic Communications Code.

Consultation and Road Ahead

The government is actively seeking feedback on this policy through a consultation process running until February 2026. Industry stakeholders, telecom operators, and leaseholders are encouraged to participate and provide their input to shape the policy effectively. As the UK inches closer to its 2032 vision of nationwide gigabit connectivity, efforts like this are critical to ensuring no property type is left behind.

The discussion around expanding gigabit-capable broadband access will continue to evolve at events like Connected Britain 2026, slated to return in September. Industry leaders, policymakers, and technology providers will gather to address these challenges and explore innovative solutions. Stakeholders can register early to stay informed and contribute to shaping the UK’s digital future.