UK Government Proposes New Measures to Enhance Gigabit Broadband Access to Flats

The UK government has initiated a public consultation to address the ongoing challenges in expanding gigabit-capable broadband to certain property types, particularly flats. Despite the nation’s overall impressive progress with 89% of premises now connected to high-speed gigabit networks, deployment to flats – especially leasehold properties – has significantly lagged behind. Recent analysis from May 2025 revealed that while 86.1% of residential premises enjoy gigabit-capable connections, this figure plummets to 79.6% for flats, leaving an estimated 1.2 million flats in England and Wales without access. Recognizing the economic importance of gigabit broadband – a sector valued at £50 billion – the government is prioritizing efforts to close this digital divide.

Barriers to Broadband Rollout in Flats

The challenges in deploying gigabit-capable broadband to flats stem from several critical factors. The primary issue lies within the legal framework, specifically the Electronic Communications Code (the Code), which governs agreements between network operators and landowners. Although the Telecommunications Infrastructure (Leasehold Property) Act (TILPA) 2021 was introduced to expedite access in multi-dwelling units (MDUs), obstacles persist. Identifying the appropriate parties to negotiate with often proves difficult, and there’s a lack of incentives for freeholders to cooperate with deployment requests from network providers.

Freeholders frequently show little urgency in facilitating network expansions, delaying progress for those residing in leased flats. This creates a frustrating bottleneck for leaseholders and network operators alike, further exacerbating the connectivity disparities already evident in urban areas.

Proposed Solutions and Their Goals

To directly address these barriers, the government is proposing to empower residential leaseholders by modifying existing lease agreements. Under the new policy, leaseholders in buildings of two or more dwellings would be granted the explicit right to request a gigabit-capable internet connection from their respective freeholders. A corresponding legal duty would be placed on freeholders, requiring them not to unreasonably refuse these requests. By embedding this right within lease agreements, the government aims to ensure that freeholders actively engage with network providers and promptly begin negotiations. This “nudge mechanism” serves as a complementary measure to the existing Code, fostering smoother collaboration between all parties involved.

The proposal also stipulates that any connection facilitated under these changes must be capable of delivering broadband speeds of at least 1,000 Megabits per second (Mbps), ensuring that flats receive infrastructure that meets the highest connectivity standards. With the consultation open until February 2026, stakeholders have the opportunity to provide feedback and influence the final policy design.

What This Means for the UK’s Gigabit Ambitions

This initiative underscores the UK’s commitment to achieving nationwide gigabit broadband coverage by 2032, a target seen as pivotal for boosting economic growth, enhancing productivity, and maintaining global competitiveness. By addressing inequality in network deployment, especially in flats, the government is taking significant steps toward bridging the digital divide. The success of this consultation and the resulting policy measures will be crucial in ensuring that no residential property type is left behind in the UK’s digital transformation journey.

With events like Connected Britain 2026 on the horizon, staying updated on regulations, advancements, and government measures is more important than ever for stakeholders in the telecom sector. As the rollout of gigabit infrastructure progresses, the collaboration between policymakers, network operators, and property owners will define the future of the UK’s digital landscape.