MP calls for an end to 'second rate' broadband connections

The attack on the industry comes from Conservative MP Marco Longhi, who has welcomed fresh laws ensuring all new-build homes come with superfast connections.

Digital Secretary Oliver Dowden said housing regulations will be changed so developers need to ensure that all new units have a "gigabit-capable" connection in order to get permission to start construction.

Dudley North MP Mr Longhi said: "I’m delighted to see this legislation is being introduced because many property developers have been building brand new homes with second-rate broadband connections for far too long.

"This will now mean every new home will be built fit for the future and give people access to world-class broadband speeds from the moment they move in.

"It’s all part of our plan to deliver on our manifesto commitment to give everyone in the UK access to gigabit broadband, as we connect and level up the country."

Ministers said they had struck a deal with broadband providers to part-fund the installation of the connections in newbuilds, to at least £500 per unit.

It comes as the Government committed £5 billion to ensure all homes have a gigabit-capable connection by 2025, which will be able to provide the high speeds needed for future use.

The government has also vowed to deliver broadband upgrades in rural areas through its Rural Gigabit Connectivity programme.

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick, said: "We are building more new homes than at any time in the last 30 years and helping more people to get onto the ladder. We want to ensure those new homes are high quality and fit for the future."

The new legislation will allow people to work from home more easily and will give homes fast and reliable connections for streaming TV and films on multiple devices at the same time.

It is expected to deliver internet speeds of up to 200 times faster than required to watch an HD film on Netflix.

One in five new-build homes are built without gigabit-speed connections, mostly in smaller developments, where the cost can be higher or network operators have not had the time they need to build in connections before completion.