New-Build Homes to Get Blazing-Fast Gigabit Broadband by Law
Digital Secretary Oliver Dowden today announced the government will force developers to install gigabit-speed broadband in all new-build homes. This bold move is a key part of the Prime Minister’s plan to “level up” the UK and speed up the rollout of world-class internet with lightning-fast speeds.
End of Slow Broadband in New Homes
One in five new homes currently lack gigabit-speed connections, mostly in smaller developments where costs or timing issues cause delays. The new law will make it mandatory for developers to build high-quality digital infrastructure from day one, ensuring broadband providers are ready before construction starts.
Digital Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “This legislation means every new home will be built fit for the future and give people access to world-class broadband speeds from the moment they move in.”
Developers and Providers to Share the Broadband Bill
- Building regulations will be updated so all new homes support internet speeds over 1,000 Mbps.
- Developers must collaborate with broadband firms, with a cost cap of £2,000 per home.
- Virgin Media will chip in at least £500, rising to £1,000 on bigger sites.
- Openreach commits up to £3,400 combined with developers, max £2,000 from builders.
The government expects more operators to join these cost-sharing deals soon, reducing the need for costly, disruptive retrofits.
Industry Bosses Welcome Game-Changing Broadband Law
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said: “We are building more new homes than at any time in the last 30 years. Today’s announcement will deliver internet speeds 200 times faster than you need to watch an HD film on Netflix.”
Clive Selley, CEO of Openreach: “We’re leading the industry by offering full fibre even to small developments and capping builder contributions for tiny projects. We welcome the government’s move to mandate gigabit-capable connections in all new homes.”
Virgin Media CEO Lutz Schüler added: “Developers have been fitting second-rate broadband for too long. This new law finally ensures every new home is future-proofed with gigabit broadband. It’s a win for buyers and builders alike.”
Wide-Ranging Impact and Rural Boost
The legislation covers all new residential builds, including conversions and self-built homes, but excludes renovations, schools, hotels, and prisons. Around 215,000 new homes are built annually in the UK.
The government predicts that in 98.1% of cases, gigabit broadband will be installed at no extra cost to developers. Only 0.1% of builds will need developer contributions over £1,800. This policy aims to deliver superfast broadband to 99% of new UK homes.
Meanwhile, the Rural Gigabit Connectivity programme continues to push full fibre into the most remote UK areas, ensuring no one is left offline.
