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Superfast broadband rollout in leasehold flats on the cards

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Leaseholder landlords wanting to offer tenants superfast broadband will have more rights under new plans announced by the government.

It is looking at proposed rights for flat owners in England and Wales to request a gigabit-capable broadband connection from their freeholder that cannot be unreasonably refused.

Leasehold flat owners don’t have a formal right to request a gigabit-capable broadband connection, leaving them stuck with slower speeds, while many face extra challenges as they can’t coordinate or agree to a rollout to the buildings they live in, the government explains.

Currently, only 78% of leasehold flats have gigabit-capable broadband, compared to 86% of other property types, such as houses. This coverage gap constitutes about 1.2 million flats.

Views

This consultation seeks views on the barriers including network operator difficulties in identifying the correct parties to negotiate deployment arrangements with, and a lack of perceived incentives for some freeholder owners of flats to engage with network operators.

Its proposal would remove barriers that slow down upgrades for blocks of flats, making it easier for people to access high-speed connectivity - part of the government’s plan to drive national renewal and deliver 99% gigabit broadband coverage by 2032.

Better

Minister for Telecoms, Liz Lloyd, says: “These proposed measures would help deliver better connectivity for properties that face additional challenges to gigabit broadband rollout and will ensure all UK families can benefit from the digital age.”

The measures would apply specifically to leaseholders. Leaseholder landlords would be able to apply the new right on renters’ behalf.

The consultation seeks more information on whether renters are impacted by the challenges in connecting leasehold properties and runs until 16th February.

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