For many Nigerians and other diaspora communities living in flats across England and Wales, reliable high-speed internet is no longer a luxury. It is essential for remote work, online businesses, digital learning, streaming, and staying connected with family back home. Now, the UK government says it wants to make fast and future-proofed broadband easier to access for people living in leasehold flats.
The government has launched a new consultation proposing to give flat-owning leaseholders the legal right to request a gigabit-capable broadband connection from their freeholder, a request that could not be unreasonably refused. The move is aimed at tackling long-standing barriers that have left many flat owners stuck with slower internet speeds despite rapid progress elsewhere.
At present, leasehold flat owners have no formal right to request gigabit broadband. This has often left residents unable to upgrade their connection, particularly in large blocks of flats where coordinating building-wide installation can be difficult or where permission from a freeholder is delayed or denied. As a result, many households remain digitally disadvantaged.
The proposed changes would remove those obstacles, making it easier for high-speed broadband to be rolled out in blocks of flats across England and Wales. Ministers say this will help residents access the fast and reliable connectivity they need for work, entertainment and keeping in touch with loved ones, both in the UK and abroad.
The consultation forms part of the government’s wider plan to deliver national renewal and expand gigabit-capable broadband to 99 per cent of the UK by 2032. The ambition is to ensure that people living in leasehold flats are not left behind as the country upgrades its digital infrastructure.
Telecoms Minister Liz Lloyd said the proposals are about fairness and improving the playing field for consumers. She said everyone, whether they live in a block of flats, a house or a rural property, should be able to access the fast and dependable broadband required for modern life. She added that the measures would help properties that face extra challenges when it comes to broadband upgrades and ensure families across the UK can fully benefit from the digital age.
Under the proposals, the new rights would apply specifically to leaseholders, although leaseholder landlords would be able to apply on behalf of renters. The consultation is also seeking views on whether renters are being affected by the same challenges when it comes to accessing gigabit broadband in leasehold properties.
The consultation will run until 16 February 2026, after which the government will publish its findings. The results will inform whether new legislation is introduced to address broadband rollout in flats.
The announcement follows wider government efforts to improve digital inclusion across the country. Through the £11.7 million Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund, the government is supporting dozens of community projects aimed at helping people get online, access affordable digital services and build the confidence needed to use them.
For diaspora families, students and professionals who rely heavily on strong internet connections for cross-border communication and income opportunities, the proposed changes could mark a significant improvement in everyday life. At Chijos News, we continue to highlight policies that affect how diaspora communities live, work and stay connected in the UK.