New laws target faster broadband access

Previously, tenants in multi-dwelling units had to wait for their landlord’s permission to have an operator enter the building to install a fast connection. However, many landlords ignore these requests.

The Act creates a new route through the courts to gain access, where the landlord doesn’t respond, that should take just 35 days.

Both these changes came into force on 26 December 2022.

Digital infrastructure minister Julia Lopez said: “Nothing should stop people from seizing the benefits of better broadband, whether it is an unresponsive landlord or a property developer’s failure to act.”

Gigabit broadband is available in 72% of the UK and allows ultra-fast download speeds. The government estimates that 12%, or 25,300 homes, still do not have access to full fibre connection upon construction.