MILLIONS of homeowners could now benefit from a major broadband law change.
The new rules make it easier for home buyers, renters and tenants to upgrade at lightning speed.
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The measures seek to reduce the red tape involved in upgrading local broadband connections to gigabit speeds and come into effect in December 2022.
Gigabit broadband is an ultra-fast connection that makes it easy to stream video, download large files, watch high definition, play VR and other video games.
According to ISP Review, 72% of UK premises now have gigabit network access, primarily thanks to Virgin Media’s upgraded network.
But the government has also launched a £5bn scheme called Project Gigabit to bring faster speeds to rural areas in 2021.
New rules set by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport will mean all new homes in England will have to be built with gigabit broadband connections.
The change is made through the Building Regulations Act 2010, which was amended.
The newly introduced Telecommunications Infrastructure (Tenancy) Act for England and Wales now makes it easier for tenants to request upgraded broadband connections.
Previously, tenants living in the UK’s 480,000 blocks of flats and apartments typically had to wait for landlord permission for a broadband operator to enter their premises to get a faster connection.
Providers in England and Wales will now be able to seek access rights to a property or shared land, even if the landlord does not respond.
The new law now prevents a tenant from being unable to receive service simply because the landlord is silent.
Julia Lopez, digital infrastructure minister, said: “Nothing should stop people from enjoying the benefits of better broadband, whether it’s an unresponsive landlord or property owner inaction.
“Thanks to our new laws, millions of renters won’t be prevented from getting a broadband upgrade because of landlord silence, and those moving into new-build homes can be sure they’ll have access to top speeds. the day they moved.”
Below we’ve explained how you can get the best broadband deal.
How can I save on my broadband and mobile contracts?
Switching contracts when your contract ends is the single best way to save on your telecom bills.
A few weeks before the end of the contract, use comparison sites to check the available deals.
It is known that new customers always get the best deals.
Sites like MoneySuperMarket and Uswitch help you customize your search based on price, speed and provider.
This should make it easier to decide whether to renew your contract or switch to another provider.
However, if you don’t want to switch and are happy with the service you’re getting under your current provider, bargain for a better deal.
You can still make significant savings by renewing your contract instead of switching to the rate you were given after the deal.
You can save up to £210 a year on your bills just by haggling.
If you need to talk to a company on the phone, make sure you get hold of them at the right time.
Take time to talk to your provider in the morning.
This way, you have a better chance of being the first customer on the phone, and the rep won’t be working tirelessly through previous calls, which can affect their stress levels.
Since representatives are less inclined to help rude or aggressive customers, it pays to be polite when talking to someone on the phone.
Knowing what other offers are available on the market can help you decide on your provider.
If your provider won’t bargain, you can always threaten to leave.
Companies don’t want to lose customers and may come up with a last-minute offer to keep you.
Explore social rates. These broadband packages and discounts are created for people who get certain benefits.
They are often available to those on income support, universal credit or disability benefit.
About 4.2 million households are eligible for these cheaper rates, but only 55,000 are using them.
Prices start from £12 per month, so ask your provider what’s on offer.