INCA Hopes to Tackle the FTTH Broadband Gap in New Build Homes

The Independent Networks Co-operative Association (INCA), which represents both alternative broadband ISPs, has announced that they hope to “tackle” the challenge of ensuring that new build UK homes can all benefit from the latest gigabit capable Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) networks by conducting a dedicated seminar.

According to an independent study published earlier this year (here), some 11.5% of new build homes constructed in 2018 lacked access to “superfast broadband” speeds of 30Mbps+ and only 64.2% of those built were able to access a “full fibre” (FTTH / FTTP) network.

The situation has improved dramatically since 2016, when only 27.64% of new build homes were gaining access to “full fibre” and that is due to a combination of changes (e.g. Government pressure, changes in regulation / rules to create a more attractive environment for investment and initiatives by major network operators like Openreach (BT) and Virgin Media).

Further changes, such as those outlined in last year’s Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review (FTIR) and the Budget 2018 announcement (here), are also planned. Under the proposals these could mandate Gigabit capable broadband connections for new build homes and make it easier for network operators to access buildings when landlords fail to respond.

However more effort is still required and as such INCA hopes to bring various players in the market together in order to “share insight into how improved new build fibre access will enhance the property market and optimize gains for service providers.”

Malcolm Corbett, CEO of INCA, said:

“Now is a fantastic time for different sectors to collaborate and capitalize on the opportunity to develop full fibre connectivity at new builds. This seminar will identify ways for new home developments to maximize the potential being offered by incorporating higher levels of fibre connectivity.

A recent ISP report which showed that around 11% of UK new home builds do not have access to superfast broadband. This void presents a huge opportunity for house builders to collaborate with network operators to facilitate the provision of 21st century digital infrastructure and ensure new builds are futureproof.

The house-building industry is becoming more aware of the variety of network builders and operators now available to them, and by coming together in Cardiff we hope to be able to explore what is needed and what can be done to enhance the delivery of FTTNH projects.”

The seminar is due to be held on 17th April 2019 (1:30PM to 5:00PM) at the Principality Stadium, in Cardiff (event details here). Confirmed speakers so far include Matthew Perryman (Welsh Government), Chris Knott (Dorchester Group), Andrew Lambert (Fibre Unlimited), Matthew Kirkman (Openreach) and Ian Boardman (Horsebridge) among others.

“By building on the momentum of this announcement, home-builders and the digital sector are well positioned to work together to ensure FTTNH remains a top priority,” said Malcolm.