A change in UK government laws will see newly built homes support gigabit internet.
For those who are unfamiliar with Gigabit internet, this internet speed can deliver download speeds of up to 1Gbps, which equals 1,000Mbps. So basically, it’s fast! These connections work as full fibre connections. Old copper phone lines are gradually being phased out for more efficient and fast fibre connections.
Despite a fall in copper connections, for those in the UK it can often be a difficult task to get better internet connections installed in homes. However, a change in regulations will require newly built properties in the UK to be built with gigabit connection support. This means that new builds will be capable of supporting faster internet.
Better internet access
According to government numbers, Gigabit broadband is now available in over 72% of the UK. These new regulations should see that number increase further. With gigabit-capable broadband connections supported from the get-go, this will avoid costly installation work further down the line for residents who wish to have better internet.
In addition to new builds, further laws coming into place will impact pre-existing builds. This law will make it easier for residents to install faster internet connections in blocks of flats. This has long been an issue due to gaining access as landlords can ignore requests from broadband companies. The telecommunications Infrastructure Act will now make it easier for broadband providers to gain access and install new equipment. A predicted 2,100 residential buildings a year will gain new connections as a result.
Digital infrastructure minister, Julia Lopez commented on the new laws saying “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. Thanks to our new laws, millions of renters will no longer be prevented from getting a broadband upgrade due to the silence of their landlord, and those moving into newly built homes can be confident they’ll have access to the fastest speeds available from the day they move in.”
Hope for remote workers
Data from the government’s technical consultation noted that around 25,300 homes did not have access to a full fibre connection. These new laws will aim to ensure that more homes are capable of accessing better internet. Connection costs will be capped at £2000 per home for developments. It is estimated that over 98% of premises will fall within the cap.
Having poor internet can be extremely frustrating but even more than that, with the massive increase in remote work, many now depend on stable internet. These changes will hopefully help more homes have better connection support. However last year we reported that many of our advertised internet speeds aren’t delivering.
Paige Cook is a writer with a multi-media background. She has experience covering video games and technology and also has freelance experience in video editing, graphic design, and photography. Paige is a massive fan of the movie industry and loves a good TV show, if she is not watching something interesting then she's probably playing video games or buried in a good book. Her latest addiction is virtual photography and currently spends far too much time taking pretty pictures in games rather than actually finishing them.
