Currently, around 93 per cent of new builds are already being constructed with fibre-to-the-premises infrastructure. But the remainder are still being built without gigabit connections as developers seek to avoid the additional expenses incurred.
The changes to the law will mean home developers will be legally required to build gigabit broadband into new homes in England and make it a priority as part of building work. They will also need to bring broadband network operators on board to consider gigabit broadband installation when construction plans are submitted to local councils.
These measures form part of the government’s £5bn Project Gigabit programme, which aims to fulfil a manifesto pledge of broad gigabit internet rollout through the UK.
Gigabit broadband is capable of download speeds of 1,000 megabits or one gigabit per second. It will allow people to more easily work at home following the broad shift towards this brought about by the Covid-19...