Following revelations that many people living in new build properties were being let down when it comes to internet, the government has unveiled an agreement forged between Openreach and the Home Builders Federation (HBF) to grant all new build developments fibre internet. Fibre is to be offered at no cost to developers in many circumstances, or as part of a co-funded initiative.
Part of the agreement, Openreach are introducing an online planning tool to provide information about which sites and properties can be granted fibre for free or at a cost. The Home Builders Federation will encourage co-funding and stress the need to plan for connectivity early in a build.
Clive Selley, CEO Openreach, said:
“This is an important step towards bringing fibre broadband to as many new build properties as possible. We recognise that high speed broadband connectivity is a major factor for homeowners when deciding to buy a house. 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.”
Executive chairman of the HBF, Stewart Baseley, said:
“Housebuilders are constantly striving to deliver on and surpass the expectations of customers as we continue to see housing supply grow. 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.”