Apartment blocks causing issues for UK fiber broadband

"Brits living in blocks of flats or apartments risk missing out on high-speed fiber broadband due to quirks in domestic regulations that can hinder access for telco engineers. While network operators continue to roll out fiber-optic infrastructure around the UK as part of the government's Project Gigabit scheme, some customers are finding it difficult to get connected if they live in a multi-dwelling unit (MDU), a property that contains multiple separate living spaces, such as an apartment block."

"One Reg reader contacted us about the issue, saying they had discovered that properties either side of their block of flats were already cabled up and enjoying fiber broadband, but they were unable to get it. "BT, my current ISP, gives no indication of any issue, other than saying that fiber is due at some point before the end of 2026," the reader told us."

"Openreach, the infrastructure arm of former state-owned telco BT, already has the right to enter communal areas in places such as blocks of flats if it needs to repair the copper telephone wiring, but we understand that this right does not extend to network operators seeking to upgrade tenants to fiber. The company told us that it is seeking a change in the law so tenants have the right to request permission to get a broadband upgrade from their landlord,"

Many residents in multi-dwelling units (MDUs) face barriers to receiving high-speed fiber broadband because regulations require landlord approval for work in communal areas. Network operators are expanding fiber under Project Gigabit, yet some apartment blocks remain unserved while neighboring properties receive cabling. Telcos sometimes cannot identify or obtain consent from landlords, leaving tenants unable to schedule installations. Openreach can access communal spaces to repair copper wiring, but that right does not cover fiber upgrades. Openreach is seeking legal reform to allow tenants to request permission for upgrades and to require landlords to respond. The result is uneven broadband access across MDUs.

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