UK Government Launches Consultation to Address Broadband Issues in Flats

Efforts to expand gigabit-capable broadband across the UK have made remarkable progress, with coverage now reaching 89% of premises nationwide. However, the government has identified a persistent challenge in deploying this infrastructure to certain property types, particularly flats, which lag behind in adoption rates. Currently, while 86.1% of residential properties have access to gigabit-capable broadband, this figure drops significantly to just 79.6% for flats. To address this issue, a new consultation has been launched, focusing on overcoming deployment barriers to ensure millions of residents in flats are not left behind.

The Importance of Gigabit-Capable Broadband

Gigabit-capable broadband is more than just a convenience; it is essential infrastructure for economic growth, productivity, and maintaining the UK’s competitive edge on the global stage. The broadband sector itself is valued at an impressive £50 billion, making it a critical component of the nation’s economy. Despite the overall progress, it is estimated that around 1.2 million flats in England and Wales currently lack gigabit access, which highlights a significant digital divide that could hinder productivity and social inclusion.

Key Barriers and Proposed Policy Changes

The government has identified several barriers that hinder deployment in flats, notably issues related to the Electronic Communications Code (the Code). The Code is designed to facilitate agreements between network operators and landowners, but practical challenges remain, such as identifying the correct party to negotiate with and the lack of incentives for freeholders to engage with broadband deployment requests. While the Telecommunications Infrastructure (Leasehold Property) Act (TILPA) 2021 was introduced to streamline processes for multi-dwelling units, more decisive measures are now being proposed.

The core of the new policy proposal is to grant residential leaseholders the right to request a gigabit-capable connection from their freeholders. This right would be implied into existing leases, with a corresponding duty on freeholders not to unreasonably refuse such requests. The aim is to simplify the process and encourage collaboration between freeholders, leaseholders, and network providers, ensuring faster deployment in multi-dwelling units. The policy would apply to residential buildings with two or more dwellings and cover connections capable of delivering speeds of at least 1,000 Mbps.

A Path Forward: Consultation and Feedback

The proposed policy changes act as a complementary “nudge measure” to the existing legal framework, encouraging freeholders to actively engage with network operators. By addressing these barriers, the government aims to bring gigabit-capable broadband to underserved flats more efficiently. The consultation on these proposals will remain open until February 2026, offering stakeholders, including leaseholders, freeholders, and network operators, an opportunity to provide their feedback.

With Connected Britain 2026 returning next September, discussions around digital connectivity in the UK are poised to remain at the forefront of industry and government priorities. Ensuring gigabit-capable broadband reaches all corners of the country will not only bridge the digital divide but also empower the UK to maintain its leadership in digital infrastructure advancements.