As the UK races toward a future powered by full-fibre broadband, around one million people living in flats and sub-divided homes risk being digitally left behind due to regulatory hurdles, according to a new warning from Openreach.

The broadband infrastructure provider says that outdated legislation is preventing engineers from completing vital upgrades in so-called multi-dwelling units (MDUs), even in areas where fibre-optic networks have already been rolled out to the doorstep. The result, the company warns, is that entire households may be locked out of ultra-fast internet access for years to come.

Clive Selley, chief executive of Openreach, voiced frustration over the impasse: “While the majority of homes and businesses in the Tees Valley are going to benefit from our massive investment in transformational broadband technology, tens of thousands of flats are at risk of missing out. It’s frustrating that we’ve built our full-fibre network right to the ‘front door’ of most of these properties but we can’t get inside.”

The issue affects urban centres across the country, with London singled out as particularly vulnerable. Despite widespread infrastructure readiness, installation delays persist where building access requires consent from landlords or management companies—approval that is often difficult or impossible to obtain.

Openreach is now backing a national campaign to update legislation, seeking the right to enter properties where reasonable attempts to gain permission have failed. The proposed changes are aimed at giving residents—especially those in privately rented flats—equal opportunity to connect to modern broadband services.

Selley noted the broader implications of the digital divide: “It’s possible that some people will be stuck with slower connections for years whilst their neighbours enjoy ultra-fast, ultra-reliable broadband – which research suggests will boost productivity and prosperity.”

The company estimates that law changes could unlock access for the majority of the one million affected properties, ensuring the benefits of digital transformation are shared more equally.