Budgies, but not broadband?

Openreach is currently unable to reach hundreds of thousands of flats across the UK. These homes are in so-called Multi-Dwelling Units (flats or sub-divided houses).  

This is because we are unable to secure the permissions required from landlords. 

Currently, we use our existing access rights – or wayleaves – to access communal areas in flats to repair the copper network, but we cannot use those same rights to upgrade tenants to the latest technology. 

That is why Baroness Janke’s amendment to the Renters’ Rights Bill would have been a positive step. It would have democratically placed power into tenants’ hands to request a service. Should their landlord have accepted this request, they would have been free to secure a service from any provider, much the same way the legislation allows for requesting a pet. 

However, we are encouraged by the government recognising the importance of this issue and continue to work with stakeholders to consider how best to secure improved access rights to drive growth and prevent a digital divide.  

Our rollout alone could be worth £66 billion to the UK economy by the next general election and bring over 620,000 people back into work. 

However, our inability to upgrade tenants in Multi-Dwelling Units continues to threaten that growth potential at a time when the UK needs it most.