New Build Developments: Delivering gigabit-capable connections

Government is clear that the provision of gigabit-capable connectivity to new build developments is a crucial element of meeting our ambitious broadband targets. The Government has therefore secured commitments from network operators, outlining their commitment to work with housing developers on providing gigabit-capable connections to all new build developments across the UK.

• Contribute a minimum amount to the cost of connection, that will be at least £500 and in some cases as high as £1,400

• Work with developers to ensure premises which cannot be provided with a gigabit-capable connection within the above overall cost envelope can be connected with the next best technology that could be provided within the cap

• Openreach has published a new price structure that reduces the costs developers pay for connecting two premise developments from £3,100 to £2,000, bringing all developments of two premises or more within our proposed cost cap

• Openreach have also publicly committed to connect all new build developments over 20 premises for free, reducing this from their current offer of 30 premises

These commitments alongside the amendments to the Building Regulations 2010 to require all new build developments to have gigabit broadband outlined in the consultation response will ensure that 99% of all new homes will be able to be built with gigabit-capable broadband.

We have also had initial and positive discussions on similar commitments with smaller network operators and will seek to formalise more commitments and publish them here in advance of this legislation coming into force.