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Government to Give Leaseholders Legal Right to Request Gigabit Broadband Installations
The Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill, confirmed in the King’s Speech, will give leaseholders a legal right to request fast, reliable broadband connections that cannot be unreasonably refused. More than half a million flats currently lack gigabit connectivity because freeholders block or delay upgrades.
May 13, 11:33 AM·1m read1 source
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Flat owners are set to gain new rights to request faster broadband as part of reforms to overhaul the leasehold system. The Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill was confirmed in the King’s Speech, and the Government plans to introduce a new right to request a faster broadband connection in the legislation as it enters Parliament.
Leaseholders will gain a legal right to request fast, reliable broadband connections that cannot be unreasonably refused.
Many leaseholders are currently blocked from getting gigabit-capable internet because permission is refused or delayed by the freeholder who owns the building. That situation has left households stuck with slow connections even when broadband firms are ready to install upgrades. More than half a million flats lack gigabit connectivity.
People will be able to request a connection to a public gigabit-capable electronic communications network capable of delivering broadband access services at download speeds of at least 1,000 Mbps. Ministers argue the new law will give flat owners more power over essentials such as the internet.
” He added that the Bill, previously published in draft, will transform the experience of homeownership for millions of leaseholders across the country, modernise property law and deliver a modern housing market.
UK telecoms minister Liz Lloyd said: “Fast, reliable broadband should not be a luxury in modern life. ” Liz Lloyd said the new laws will give leasehold flat owners a legal right to request internet upgrades for their home without being ignored by the freeholder, helping ensure every household can benefit from the services and opportunities available in the digital age.
