UK Government’s New Proposal to Address Broadband Challenges in Flats

The UK government has unveiled a vital consultation aimed at tackling the ongoing difficulties in deploying gigabit-capable broadband to specific property types, particularly flats. As the nation continues to push towards its goal of achieving gigabit coverage for all premises by 2032, these challenges remain a significant bottleneck. At present, despite 89% of UK properties having access to gigabit-capable broadband, flats lag behind at only 79.6%, leaving over 1.2 million such properties in England and Wales without access. This disparity is a growing concern given that broadband is widely regarded as essential for economic growth, productivity, and global competitiveness.

Broadband Access Challenges and Legislative Barriers

The current framework governing broadband deployment relies on the Electronic Communications Code (ECC), which aims to foster agreements between landowners and network operators. Supplementing this is the Telecommunications Infrastructure (Leasehold Property) Act (TILPA) of 2021, which provides legal mechanisms to address situations where landowners fail to respond to access requests. Despite these measures, core issues persist, such as difficulty in identifying the correct party for lease negotiations and a lack of incentives for freeholders to approve broadband deployment requests. These roadblocks hamper progress towards closing the broadband accessibility gap in flats.

To tackle these barriers, the government has proposed a policy emphasizing enhanced rights for leaseholders. This would allow residential leaseholders to directly request gigabit-capable connections from freeholders while obliging freeholders to engage in good faith. The proposal aims to function as a “nudge measure,” ensuring proactive collaboration between freeholders and network operators. This policy would apply to residential buildings with two or more dwellings and focus on connections delivering speeds of at least 1,000 Mbps.

Proposed Solutions to Drive Change

At the heart of the proposed framework is a clear implication of rights and responsibilities. A new right would be written into lease agreements, empowering leaseholders to request gigabit connectivity from their landlords. Correspondingly, freeholders would be required not to unreasonably deny such requests. This dual mechanism reinforces swift action while promoting accountability among all parties. Additionally, the measure complements the existing ECC framework, promoting expedited negotiations between freeholders and internet service providers to ensure timely deployments.

The consultation, open until February 2026, signals a proactive government strategy in improving connectivity for underserved populations. Experts believe this move could address the stark connectivity disparity affecting millions living in flats and provide a stronger foundation for widespread digital participation across the UK. With the broadband sector valued at approximately £50 billion, bridging this divide is not only a social priority but an economic imperative for maintaining the UK’s competitive edge internationally.

Next Steps and Industry Implications

The new consultation underscores the government’s commitment to making gigabit-capable broadband universally accessible. It also presents an opportunity for stakeholders, including network operators and property developers, to participate in shaping policies that will determine the future of digital access. As the UK prepares for Connected Britain 2026 next September, the spotlight will remain on innovative solutions and collaborative efforts to achieve nationwide digital inclusion. Industry leaders are encouraged to contribute their insights to ensure the final policy effectively addresses current challenges and supports the UK’s digital economy aspirations.

With digital infrastructure becoming a cornerstone for sustained economic growth and productivity, ensuring every home, including flats, has access to high-speed broadband is more critical than ever. The policy proposals promise to pave the way for substantial improvements, empowering residents and enhancing connectivity across the nation.