Recent discussions, largely driven by Openreach, are pushing for regulatory changes to ease access to Multi-Dwelling Units (MDUs). In response, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has sought input from internet service providers (ISPs), but there has been little representation from freeholders.
With over 35 years of experience working with both freeholders and full-fibre ISPs, we have a unique insight into the barriers to fibre broadband delivery in MDUs. This experience has led to the development of the following solutions:
4Fibre: A neutral, shared full-fibre network supporting multiple providers over a single installation.
Fibre Assist: Helping freeholders navigate fibre deployment across their entire portfolio.
We believe it’s critical to distinguish between “upgrading” and “installing new infrastructure.” The installation of fibre is a complex process that involves significant safety considerations, such as asbestos management, fire safety, and resident impact. The term “upgrade” oversimplifies what is essentially the creation of a new network.
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Freeholders must maintain control over access to their buildings, ensuring work is done safely and to a high standard. ISPs, focused on speed and cost, may take shortcuts that compromise safety and long-term viability. If ISPs are granted automatic rights, how can freeholders ensure the safety and integrity of their buildings?
Openreach’s push for automatic rights (here and here) stems from underestimating the complexities of MDU installations, particularly in areas where other ISPs have already deployed, sometimes poorly. Altnets have been navigating these challenges for years, and changing the law to favour one player is unfair to those who have worked within the current framework.
Paragraph 17 of the Electronic Communications Code (ECC) outlines the conditions for upgrading and sharing infrastructure, stating any changes must have minimal impact on appearance and impose no additional burden on property owners.
However, upgrading and installing fibre are vastly different. Installing a new fibre in some MDU’s can take up to 10 weeks – demonstrating how misleading the term “upgrade” can be. We believe freeholders should retain the right to decide what happens on their property. Loosening planning rules could lead to serious financial and legal consequences.
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Instead of focusing solely on upgrade rights, the government should promote shared, neutral networks like 4Fibre, which allow multiple ISPs to use a single installation, reducing the burden on freeholders and accelerating fibre deployment.
The Electronic Communications Code already supports shared networks, stating operators have a legal duty to share apparatus whenever practicable. Shared networks should be a government priority alongside upgrade rights.
We are committed to breaking down barriers to fibre deployment and would welcome further discussions on the key differences between upgrading and new fibre installations. We’ll be at Connected Britain, feel free to stop by stand S131 to talk all things fibre!
Its refreshing to see articles like this especially coming from an installer of fibre services.
It shows that SCCI Alphatrack give consideration to the Freeholder and the requirements they have to understand what is going on in their buildings.
Automatic rights is clearly devised to remove barriers however in doing so it will remove safety process that need to be followed.
Hi Dawn
Appreciate your positive response.
Your right – we give consideration from the freeholder perspective
Having 35 + years experience with freeholders & MDU’s we are well placed to provide a balanced opinion
Automatic rights is devised to remove barriers, however increasing those rights must be balanced, so that safety & freeholders rights are not compromised
If you’re a freeholder in need of help – reach out and we will see if we can help you.
Fibreassist@sccialphatrack.co.uk
It is great to see articles like this especially when it comes for a fibre installer with many years of experience in MDUs.
It shows that SCCI takes in consideration Freeholders and the requirements they have on their buildings.
Automatic right is a devised to remove barriers, this can result in safety processes being removed or not followed.
Appreciate your response Nelio
Cheers
Steve
Fibreassist@sccialphatrack.co.uk
Interesting article — but how many networks are willing to use SCCI’s 4Fibre solution? No good installing fibre if it’s too awkward for the networks to use…
Hi Ben ,
It’s far from awkward
I would very much welcome a discussing with you to explain what 4Fibre is about & how easy it is to use.
It is more robust than conventional methods & clearly better than doing a job 3 or 4 times.
The ISP’s concerned by a shared solution have an (understandable) preference for exclusivity
My email is stevechesterman@sccialphatrack.co.uk
Cheers Ben
Regards
Steve