The government has agreed a deal with Openreach and the Home Builders Federation to ensure new homes have superfast broadband connectivity…
New build homes will be connected to superfast broadband under a new arrangement between the government, Openreach, and the Home Builders Federation.
The deal will see all new developments offered fibre based broadband either free or as part of a co-funded initiative.
Openreach, BT’s local access business network, will introduce an online planning tool for homebuilders to show whether a given development can be connected to fibre free. This ‘rate card’ will also show if a contribution is required from the developer to jointly deploy a local fibre network.
Openreach’s CEO Clive Selley said the agreement was a vital step in bringing fibre broadband to as many new homes as possible.
“We recognise that high speed broadband connectivity is a major factor for homeowners when deciding to buy a house,” he said.
“That’s why we’re offering to deliver fibre to all new build developments either for free or as a co-funded model.
“With the support of the HBF we’ve delivered a series of measures to give developers greater clarity, choice and more funding.
“Today’s announcement underlines Openreach’s commitment to further extend its fibre network – which reaches more than 24m premises – to benefit even more communities across the country.”
Broadband is an integral part of life and as society continues to develop its digital capabilities it is increasingly important connectivity is efficient. It is thought under the agreement more than half of new builds will be able to connect to the fibre network free of charge.
Digital Economy Minister Ed Vaizey said: “The Government’s ambition to build 1 million new homes over the course of this Parliament will house families and future generations to come.
“Broadband connectivity is just one thing that home buyers now expect when buying a new build, so this industry-led push to make superfast, or indeed ultrafast, broadband speeds available by default in new homes represents a very important step in meeting the UK’s digital needs.”
Stewart Baseley, executive chairman of the HBF said broadband was increasingly becoming an important consideration for homebuyers.
“Housebuilders are constantly striving to deliver on and surpass the expectations of customers as we continue to see housing supply grow,” he said.
“Broadband speeds are an increasingly important factor in the home buying process and this offer to developers will see more new build purchasers benefit from the very best connectivity to go alongside the many other advantages of purchasing a brand new home.”