From January 1st 2025, all newbuild homes in Scotland will be built with gigabit-capable broadband connections, the Scottish Government has announced.

New legislation amending building standards will require housing developers to ensure that all newbuild homes have the physical infrastructure as well as a gigabit-capable connection, subject to a £2,000 cost cap per dwelling.

The government said that, where this isn’t possible, newbuilds should have the next fastest broadband connection within the cost cap.

A gigabit-capable connection can deliver broadband services at speeds of at least one gigabit, equal to 1,000 megabits per second (Mbps).

The connections are often, but not always, delivered by full-fibre and can also be delivered via technologies such as cable and fixed wireless access.

The government’s confirmation of gigabit-capable connections fulfils a Programme for Government commitment, and follows a consultation where it was welcomed by the majority of network operators and housebuilders.

Back in September 2023, DIGIT reported on the possibility that Scottish newbuilds could come with gigabit-capable connections, amid the initiation of the three-month consultation period.

Speaking on the announcement today, Scottish Government business minister Richard Lochhead said: “Connectivity is no longer a luxury, but an essential part of everyday life enabling remote working, access to public services, education, and health.

“That’s why the Scottish Government is using its powers to reduce the barriers to accessing faster broadband so Scotland’s people and businesses can make the most of the opportunities connectivity brings.”

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The announcement also follows a recent report from Ofcom, which found that more than 97% of UK homes could have access to gigabit-capable broadband by 2027 if providers deploy their networks as planned.

Its latest Planned Network Deployments report also showed that 29 million properties could have full-fibre availability by 2027, thereby covering 96% of properties across the country.