UK Pushes Telecoms Industry to Boost Broadband in Apartment Blocks

Government Taps Providers to Improve Connectivity for Millions

The UK government is pressing the telecommunications industry to improve broadband access in apartment buildings, aiming to connect millions of residents who have been left behind in the digital divide.

Spotty Coverage Plagues Flats

"Our flat has had terrible internet for years," said Sarah Johnson, 35, a resident of a high-rise in East London. "It’s 2025 and we still can’t stream movies without constant buffering."

Johnson’s experience is all too common. An estimated 40% of UK flats lack access to high-speed broadband, compared to just 5% of single-family homes, according to ofcom. Older buildings with outdated wiring and landlords reluctant to upgrade Infrastructure share the blame.

Government Convenes Industry Leaders

In response, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has convened a task force of major broadband providers, property developers, and landlord associations to tackle the problem head-on.

"We’re bringing together the key players to hash out solutions," said Digital Secretary Michelle Donelan. "This is about ensuring every citizen can participate fully in our digital economy and society."

The task force aims to streamline installation of modern fiber optic cabling in both new and existing apartment blocks. Potential measures include:

• Requiring new developments to include high-speed broadband infrastructure
• Incentivizing landlords to allow provider access for upgrades
• Subsidizing connection fees for social housing residents

Providers Pledge Cooperation

Major telecoms like BT, virgin Media and Sky have pledged to cooperate closely with the government initiative.

"Expanding our fiber network to underserved urban areas is a top priority," said Marc Allera, CEO of BT’s Consumer division. "We’re committed to working with property owners to get residents connected."

Virgin Media aims to upgrade 500,000 flats to gigabit-capable broadband by the end of 2025, while Sky has earmarked £1 billion for its "Block of Flats" ultrafast rollout.

Bridging the Apartment Access Gap

The push to improve flat connectivity comes as part of the government’s larger "Project Gigabit" campaign to deliver next-generation broadband to 99% of UK homes by 2030. But reaching the final 1%, largely comprised of apartments, may prove the toughest challenge.

"Flats have long been the final frontier of the broadband revolution," said telecommunications analyst James Barford. "Technical hurdles and market forces have left many residents stuck in the digital slow lane."

If successful, the joint industry-government effort could finally bridge the apartment access gap, enabling millions to take full advantage of remote work, streaming entertainment and online services that have become central to modern life. For flat dwellers like Sarah Johnson, the promised upgrades can’t come soon enough.

"Reliable, fast internet should be a given in this day and age," she said. "It’s time for the telecoms industry and government to step up and get all of us connected, no matter where we live."