Developers face backlash over slow broadband

DEVELOPERS face a growing backlash over the lack of decent broadband in thousands of new homes.

The penny-pinching companies have been criticised for leaving families with internet connections so poor that they do not even meet the minimum standard set by the Government.

In many of the worst cases, builders have claimed the cost of putting in a better connection would have been too expensive.

But analysis reveals the top 20 firms raked in sales of £37.9bn and profits of £5.7bn last year alone, casting doubt over the claim. These companies also handed their bosses £82.3m in pay, bonuses and lavish perks.

Critics said it was ‘extraordinary’ that developments were being built across the country without good internet connections, with some calling for rules outlawing the practice to be fast-tracked. The Mail revealed yesterday that one in eight new homes had connections that did not meet the minimum standard.

Four in ten are also being built without cutting-edge fibre optic broadband, which ministers have said should be the standard in all homes. But because some firms failed to have fibre broadband installed in developments they have started, thousands of families are expected to continue to move into homes with slow internet for years to come.

Estates affected include some built by the biggest firms, including Persimmon and Taylor Wimpey. Persimmon yesterday revealed it expected profits in excess of £1bn for 2018.

Thinkbroadband expert Andrew Ferguson said: ‘It’s quite extraordinary. Developers are starting to get the message now, but we should be installing fibre broadband in every new home. This is about making sure Britain’s broadband network is future-proof.’

Senior MPs have called on the Government to introduce rules that force developers to install fibre broadband in every home.

However the rules have only been consulted on so far, and no legislation has been proposed.

The Home Builders Federation claimed that although cost-sharing schemes have been introduced by telecoms firm Openreach, the price of installing fibre broadband was previously ‘prohibitive’ in some areas. It defended developers and said they were now ensuring all estates were better equipped.

Openreach said 63pc of developers had taken up its offer of subsidies and it expected the figure to rise to 85pc next year.

A Home Builders Federation spokesman said: ‘Housebuilders recognise that a fast broadband connection is hugely important when purchasing a home and therefore strive to ensure that it is available from move-in day.

‘Developers provide the necessary infrastructure to each and every site to allow broadband providers to install and provide their services to new homes. Over the past couple of years we have worked closely with a range of providers to put in place agreements to improve co-operation between developers and service providers to give better visibility of the options, costs and lead times for a range of different services.

‘This has led to a huge increase in the number of sites having highspeed connections, and the percentage will continue to rise.’

Have you had problems with broadband in a new-build home? Please write to us at broadband@ dailymail.co.uk and leave your name and a contact number