UK Government Proposes New Measures to Tackle Broadband Challenges in Flats

The United Kingdom government has revealed plans to address persistent challenges in deploying gigabit-capable broadband to certain property types, with a particular focus on flats and multi-dwelling units (MDUs). Despite substantial progress toward achieving nationwide gigabit connectivity — currently at 89% of premises — deployment to flats continues to lag behind at just 79.6%, highlighting a significant gap in the nation’s digital infrastructure. With 1.2 million flats in England and Wales lacking access to gigabit broadband, this is a critical issue that demands urgent attention.

The Importance of Gigabit-Capable Broadband

Gigabit-capable broadband is not just a luxury but an essential service driving economic growth, enhancing productivity, and improving the UK’s global competitiveness. The telecom sector alone contributes £50 billion to the economy, underlining the pivotal role of high-speed broadband connectivity in modern society. While 86.1% of residential premises have access to gigabit connections as of May 2025, the disparity seen in flats highlights the challenges faced, particularly in buildings with leasehold tenures or disengaged freeholders.

The government’s latest policy proposals aim to overcome these barriers by addressing key obstacles, such as difficulties in identifying the appropriate parties for negotiations and the lack of incentives for property freeholders to cooperate with network operators. These efforts could provide a transformative shift in bridging the digital divide for millions of residents in urban areas.

Key Policy Proposals to Strengthen Broadband Deployment

Under the proposed policy changes, a new legal right would be implied into existing leases. This would empower residential leaseholders to formally request gigabit-capable connections from their freeholders while placing a corresponding legal duty on the freeholders to respond reasonably to such requests. This mechanism serves as a critical ‘nudge’ to ensure engagement between freeholders and network operators, who are responsible for deploying the necessary broadband infrastructure.

Additionally, the proposals are designed to complement the existing Electronic Communications Code and the Telecommunications Infrastructure (Leasehold Property) Act (TILPA) 2021. While these frameworks already facilitate agreements and provide legal recourse in case of non-responsiveness, the new measures aim to expedite the process and enhance participation across all parties involved.

Consultation Running Until 2026

These proposed changes could be a game-changer for residents in flats and MDUs across the UK, ensuring they are not left behind in the digital revolution. The consultation on these measures is open until February 2026, offering stakeholders a chance to contribute to what could be a landmark shift in broadband policy. With the Connected Britain 2026 event scheduled to take place next September, discussions around the implementation and potential impact of these measures are bound to gain momentum in the coming months.

In an increasingly connected world, seamless and equitable access to high-speed broadband is no longer optional. These efforts by the UK government represent a critical step forward in overcoming infrastructure barriers and ensuring every citizen can participate fully in the digital economy. As we look ahead, the involvement and feedback of all stakeholders will be essential to building a more inclusive digital future.