The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport has
published the results of a consultation and will shortly
introduce secondary legislation that will make changes to the
Building Regulations 2010 and the Building (Approved Inspectors
etc.) Regulations 2020. These amendments will be informed by the
responses received to the technical consultation New build developments
consultation: delivering gigabit-capable connections.
The changes will ensure that the development of new homes will
include requirements to install gigabit-ready infrastructure and
gigabit-capable connections. Providing new home residents access
to the best digital connectivity. The legislation is set out in
more detail throughout the response.
Download the full consultation outcome
New build developments
consultation: delivering gigabit-capable connections - government
response
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Detail of feedback received
There were 28 responses to the consultation, from stakeholders
including building developers, telecommunication operators, local
authorities and building control bodies, local economic
partnerships, regulators, and trade bodies.
All responses to the consultation have been recorded and
analysed. The response outlines the key points made in those
responses, drawing out the common themes that emerged and the
most frequently-expressed points of view.
Original consultation Summary
A technical consultation seeking views on our legislative
proposals to ensure that new build homes have access to
gigabit-capable connections.
This consultation ran from
11am on 21 December 2021 to 11:45pm on 28 February 2022
Consultation description
The government is committed to delivering nationwide gigabit
connectivity as soon as possible. Today, over 70% of premises can
access gigabit-capable networks, up from just one in ten in
November 2019, and by 2025 the government is targeting a minimum
of 85% gigabit-capable coverage.
It is a priority to ensure that new homes are built with fast,
reliable and resilient broadband. We consulted on proposed
legislation to ensure that the construction of new homes includes
requirements for the installation of gigabit infrastructure and
connectivity. Providing more people the connectivity they want
and need without costly and disruptive installation works after
the home is built. Fast and reliable broadband will help
residents of new homes throughout the country to live and work
more flexibly and will help to support social inclusion and
growth.
Our proposed amendments to the Building Regulations 2010 required
the installation of gigabit broadband connectivity as a factor
for the construction process of new homes.
In order to amend Building Regulations, we were required by the
Building Act 1984 to conduct a technical consultation. The
purpose of the consultation, which was open to the public, was to
seek views on the proposed new gigabit-capable broadband legal
requirements and the associated statutory guidance for developers
in relation to new build homes. The technical consultation closed
for responses on 28 February 2022.
Documents
New build developments:
delivering gigabit-capable connections
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DRAFT Approved Document R:
Volume 1
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DRAFT Approved Document R:
Volume 2
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