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Government to ensure new-build homes come with gigabit-speed broadband
techUK welcome government’s announcement for new-build homes to be equipped with gigabit-capable broadband.
Digital Secretary for DCMS, Oliver Dowden yesterday announced the government will legislate to make sure new-build homes come with gigabit-speed broadband fit for the future. This is a step in the right direction in the government’s ambition to ensure every premise has access to gigabit capable broadband by 2025.
This legislation will require developers to install high-quality digital infrastructure to support gigabit-capable connections into all new builds. This new legislation will future-proof new homes’ connectivity and allow people to work from home more easily and provide homes with fast a reliable connection for everyday use such as streaming TV and films on multiple devices.
The government will amend building regulations to guarantee that all new homes have the right infrastructure to support gigabit broadband and housing developers must work with network operators to install internet speeds of over 1,000 megabits per second (Mbps) in new-build homes, up to a cost cap of £2,000 per dwelling.
The legislation, to be laid as soon as Parliamentary time allows, will remove the need for purchasers of new homes to retrospectively install gigabit-capable broadband infrastructure and reduce disruption and high costs.
Commenting on the announcement, Julian McGougan, Executive Director Telecoms, Spectrum and Satellite at techUK yesterday said:
“This announcement acknowledges that good connectivity underpins the UK’s digital economy and delivering this is a priority. We welcome the government’s announcement that all new-build homes will soon come with the right infrastructure to access gigabit-speed broadbands, ensuring that their purchasers won’t be left behind whilst the UK improves its digital infrastructure for the greater good. The work of the government and the Barrier Busting Task Force, shows that the government is listening to industry concerns and wants to ensure the best outcome possible.”
Original article link: https://www.techuk.org/insights/news/item/17074-government-to-ensure-new-build-homes-come-with-gigabit-speed-broadband
