UK Fibre Connectivity Forum Seeks Property Sector Engagement

The UK Fibre Connectivity Forum (UKFCF) is today “calling on” the property sector (house builders etc.) to work with network builders, operators and broadband ISPs to help deliver on the Government’s “gigabit-capable” ambitions by 2025, not least by getting infrastructure to where it’s needed and driving efficiencies.

In fairness a lot of property developers already work with broadband builders, although the Government’s proposals to make “gigabit capable broadband” connections a requirement of new build homes (here), as well as the forthcoming introduction of a new New Homes Ombudsman (the remit for that includes complaints involving fuel, energy and broadband performance), will only reinforce the need for wider engagement.

On the upside the situation is getting better all the time. For example, the most recent analysis (here) revealed that 83% of houses constructed during the first ten months of 2019 were connected to a “full fibre” (FTTP) broadband ISP network (up from 73% in 2018), which rises to 96% for 30Mbps+ “superfast broadband” services (up from 95% last year).

“Now that the switch to full fibre from the ageing copper network is proposed for 2027, the race is on to ensure that all corners of the UK have gigabit capable broadband services available,” said the UKFCF in a new statement.

Askar Sheibani, Chair of UKFCF and CEO of the Comtek Group, said:

“The mission of the UK Fibre Connectivity Forum is to make it easier for our industry to deliver full fibre by collaborating and sharing best practice. This move is simply an extension of this ethos across sectors, as we can see how important it is to drive efficiencies across the board if we are to meet the government’s goals.”

The UKFCF has produced a webinar – found here – to explain more about its property full fibre drive. On top of that it is asking organisations working in the property sector to get in touch (to find out more contact forum coordinator Steph Roberts at steph.roberts@ukfcf.org.uk).