High-Speed Broadband Infrastructure Requirements

What This Requirement Covers

Approved Document R (High-speed electronic communications networks) requires that new buildings are equipped with the infrastructure to support high-speed broadband connectivity. This ensures that occupants can access modern communications services without the need for disruptive retrofit works.

Key Requirements

New Dwellings

1. Each new dwelling must be provided with a high-speed-ready in-building physical infrastructure capable of connecting to a high-speed electronic communications network
2. This means:

- A suitable containment route (duct or conduit) from the building entrance to a communications outlet in the dwelling - A connection point (outlet plate or socket) in a suitable location within the dwelling (typically the living room) - Sufficient space for network termination equipment

Multi-Dwelling Buildings (Flats)

1. In blocks of flats, a common access point must be provided where the external network enters the building
2. Suitable containment must run from the common access point to each individual dwelling
3. The containment must be capable of accommodating fibre-optic cables

Non-Domestic Buildings

1. New non-domestic buildings must also be provided with in-building physical infrastructure to a common access point
2. The infrastructure must be suitable for the building's intended use

High-Speed Ready Connection

1. Where a gigabit-capable connection is available from a network provider at a cost not exceeding the cost cap (currently GBP 2,000 per dwelling for residential, GBP 2,000 per building for non-domestic), the building must be connected
2. If the cost exceeds the cap, only the in-building infrastructure (duct and outlet) is required

Practical Compliance Tips

1. Coordinate with broadband providers (Openreach, Virgin Media, CityFibre, etc.) during the design stage to arrange connection
2. Provide a minimum 2-way duct from the highway to the building for external connection (or as specified by the network provider)
3. Install containment during the construction phase; retrofitting ducts through completed buildings is expensive and disruptive
4. Ensure the communications outlet is in a practical location (near the main living area) and powered
5. For blocks of flats, provide a riser with containment from the common access point to each floor
6. Check the cost cap with the network provider before committing to a full connection; document any cost cap exceedance
7. Keep installation records for Building Control sign-off