UK Government Proposes New Policies to Boost Gigabit Broadband Access for Flats

The UK government has embarked on a crucial consultation to tackle the ongoing challenges in deploying gigabit-capable broadband to various property types, particularly flats. This initiative comes as part of the UK’s ambitious goal of achieving nationwide gigabit broadband coverage by 2032, a target currently within reach at 89% of premises. Despite this progress, flats present a significant challenge, with deployment rates lagging behind, especially among leasehold properties.

Understanding the Digital Divide in Gigabit Broadband Access

Data from May 2025 reveals that while 86.1% of all residential premises enjoy gigabit-capable broadband, this figure falls to just 79.6% for flats. With an estimated 1.2 million flats in England and Wales still lacking access to high-speed connections, the disparity highlights the persistent digital divide. This gap is especially concerning given the critical role of gigabit broadband in driving economic growth, boosting productivity, and maintaining international competitiveness in a sector valued at £50 billion. Addressing this issue is imperative, as gigabit connections are no longer a luxury but a necessity for modern living and business innovation.

Key Barriers to Broadband Rollout in Flats

The legal underpinning for broadband deployment, the Electronic Communications Code, is designed to foster agreements between network operators and landowners. Additionally, the Telecommunications Infrastructure (Leasehold Property) Act (TILPA) 2021 was specifically introduced to ease the challenges associated with Multiple Dwelling Units (MDUs). TILPA provides a fast-track legal pathway when landlords fail to respond to network operators’ requests for access. Yet, significant hurdles remain, such as identifying the correct party to negotiate access rights and a lack of incentives for freeholders to engage actively in deployment efforts. These challenges have hindered progress and necessitated the proposed policy changes.

Proposed Policy Changes to Accelerate Deployment

The UK government’s proposed policy aims to address these barriers comprehensively. A cornerstone of the new approach is the introduction of a right within residential leases that allows leaseholders to request gigabit-capable broadband installation. Correspondingly, freeholders would be obligated not to unreasonably refuse such requests, ensuring that network operators and property owners can engage in negotiations swiftly. The policy is designed to act as a “nudge measure,” complementing existing frameworks under the Electronic Communications Code while directly empowering leaseholders to influence broadband deployment initiatives.

This new mechanism would apply to any residential leaseholder in a building with two or more dwellings, targeting connections capable of delivering speeds of at least 1,000 Mbps. The consultation on this proposal is open until February 2026 and seeks to create a more equitable framework that benefits tenants, landlords, and network providers alike.

A Step Towards Digital Inclusion

The proposed changes underline the UK’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all residents, including those in flats, can benefit from modern broadband infrastructure. As the consultation progresses, it is expected to shape an inclusive approach toward nationwide gigabit broadband deployment, directly benefiting millions of residents. Stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the consultation to provide feedback on these pivotal policy advancements. Together, these efforts mark a significant stride towards achieving a fully connected Britain and securing a competitive digital economy.