Developers urged to connect new homes to digital networks

BUDGET 2018: Housebuilders and operators could be required to provide gigabit-capable connections to new-build developments, under new government proposals. As part of the Budget announcement yesterday, the government has launched a consultation to find out the cost of connecting new build sites to gigabit-capabable networks. The move is part of the government’s commitment to providing the UK with world-class digital connectivity. It has set a target of making gigabit-capable networks available to 15m premises by 2025, with nationwide coverage by 2033. “There is a real opportunity for the UK to become a world leader in digital connectivity – increasing our competitiveness, boosting productivity and meeting future demands of consumers and businesses,” said Margot James, minister for digital and creative industries. “New-build developments are a clear case in which opportunities for progress are not being seized. I commend the examples we have seen from the most proactive developers and communications providers – developments with fibre-to-the-premises connections are truly fit for 21st century living – developments with no, or slow, connections are inexcusable. “Poor connections have a disproportionate impact on residents and communities. When people cannot work from home, pay bills online or run small businesses it is not just the individual who suffers; slow, unreliable connections hamper innovation, stop collaboration between groups and make it harder for local economies and communities to thrive.” The consultation – available to view here – closes on 21 December. Comment: Something has to change Emily Wright, tech editor, EG The government’s proposals to make it a requirement for developers and operators to work together to provide gigabit-capable connections to new homes could be pretty significant. The fact that one of the main proposals would be for the two parties to share the cost of connecting new-build sites is particularly timely and relevant. At the end of last year, legislation and the Communications Code brought the value of rents telecoms operators are required to pay landlords to install equipment down in an attempt to ease some of the financial pressure on the supply side. But this actually had an adverse effect as swathes of landowners are simply not interested in offering up sites and buildings for connectivity purposes if they are going to be paid less. How effective these new proposals will be remains to be seen. But if the government wants to hit a goal which is, by its own admission, ambitious – making gigabit-capable networks available to 15m premises by 2025 with nationwide coverage by 2033 – something has to change. Network operators across the board are reporting a near standstill in new connectivity contracts over the past 6-12 months, a situation which could prove disastrous for the UK as questions are being raised as to whether developers are scuppering our chances for widespread connectivity. Apart from this being hugely frustrating for individuals and businesses the country over, it puts us at a massive disadvantage compared with other countries and leading global cities around the world as decent connectivity creeps ever closer to the top of people’s priority lists. In a piece on UK connectivity last month, EG asked “should the government intervene and set out clearer guidance to ensure that the current slowdown in connectivity contracts does not become permanent?” It looks like maybe that semi rhetorical question has been answered for us. Listen to EG’s TechTalk Radio podcast on connectivity >>    To send feedback, e-mail samantha.mcclary@egi.co.uk or tweet @samanthamcclary or @estatesgazette