All new build homes will feature faster broadband from January 1 subject to a £2,000 cost cap laid out in new legislation, a Scottish Government minister said today.

Developers will be required to provide the physical infrastructure to allow for a gigabit-capable connection, said business minister Richard Lochhead.

Legislation amending building standards will require developers to ensure all new dwellings are delivered with the broadband requirements in mind.

However, where gigabit-capable speeds are not possible, new builds should have the next fastest broadband connection within the cost cap, applicable per dwelling.

The new rule fulfils a Programme for Government commitment and follows a consultation where it was welcomed by the majority of network operators and housebuilders.

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.”

Broadband speeds are measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps). This refers to how quickly data can be uploaded or downloaded from the internet. A gigabit-capable connection can deliver broadband services at speeds of at least one gigabit – or 1,000Mbps.

The Scottish Government’s response and analysis to the three-month consultation was published online in May.

Developers will be required to provide two quotes from network operators in excess of the cost cap to claim an exemption from the requirement to provide a gigabit-capable connection.