Approved Document R Volume 1: Physical infrastructure and network connection for new dwellings – 2022 Edition
Approved Document R Volume 1 provides statutory guidance for meeting the requirements of Part R of Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations 2010. This edition was issued by HM Government for use in England and took effect on 26 December 2022. It specifically addresses the installation of gigabit-ready physical infrastructure and the provision of connections to gigabit-capable public electronic communications networks when new dwellings are erected. This document sits within the wider legal framework established by the Building Act 1984.
The scope of this volume covers the regulatory domains of infrastructure for electronic communications. It applies to the erection of new dwellings, including self-build projects and new dwellings in mixed-use developments. The document defines and regulates two primary requirements: Requirement RA1, which focuses on the physical infrastructure such as ducts, chambers, and termination points, and Requirement RA2, which concerns the actual connection to the network. It also introduces the Connectivity Plan, a required submission that details how a development will comply with these regulations, including any evidence for exemptions or cost-cap modifications.
The following sections detail the technical performance expected for physical installations, the specific procedures for securing network connections, and the legal thresholds for financial exemptions known as the cost cap.
Requirement RA1 – Gigabit-Ready Physical Infrastructure
Building work must ensure that each dwelling is equipped with gigabit-ready physical infrastructure extending from a network termination point to a distribution point. This requirement is intended to facilitate functioning connections to high-speed networks through physical installations that can host wired or fixed wireless technologies.
- Network termination point: The physical point inside the dwelling where the occupier is provided with access to the network.
- Access point: A physical point located inside or outside the building where the connection to the in-building infrastructure is made available to network operators.
- Common access point: Required for buildings containing more than one dwelling, such as blocks of flats, to provide a shared entry point for network services.
- In-building infrastructure: Must include ducting, trays, or risers with sufficient capacity and dimensions to host at least one gigabit-capable connection for every dwelling.
Where the developer lacks the legal right to install infrastructure on land leading to a distribution point, the infrastructure must be extended as close as reasonably practicable to a likely future location of a distribution point within a relevant 2-year period.
Requirement RA2 – Connection to Gigabit-Capable Network
Every new dwelling must be provided with a connection to a gigabit-capable public electronic communications network. This requirement is distinct from RA1, as it concerns the actual provision of the network connection rather than just the physical ducting and termination points.
- Technological neutrality: Connections may be provided via optical fibre, wireless technologies (fixed wireless or satellite), or other cable types like DOCSIS 3.1.
- Performance threshold: A gigabit-capable network must be able to deliver broadband access services at download speeds of at least 1000 Mbps.
- Installation location: At least one network termination point must be provided in a suitable position within each new dwelling, typically in an open area to ensure optimal internal connectivity.
Cost Cap, Modifications, and Exemptions
Requirement RA2 is subject to a cost cap of £2,000 per dwelling. If a gigabit-capable connection cannot be secured within this financial limit, the developer must follow a specific order of priority to provide the next fastest broadband connection available within the cap.
- Priority 1: Gigabit-capable public electronic communications network.
- Priority 2: High-speed public electronic communications network (at least 30 Mbps).
- Priority 3: USO-standard public electronic communications network.
- Exemption from RA2: If no connection can be secured within the cost cap, the requirement to provide a connection does not apply, though RA1 infrastructure requirements usually remain.
Certain buildings are exempt from both RA1 and RA2, including those occupied by the Ministry of Defence or used for national security, buildings undergoing a material change of use, and certain temporary or small buildings described in Schedule 2 of the Building Regulations.
The Connectivity Plan and Compliance
Developers must submit a connectivity plan to the building control body before building work starts. This document serves as evidence of compliance and must include particulars of the network to which the connection will be provided.
- Part A: Details of the planned physical infrastructure and the type of network connection being provided.
- Part B: Evidence for any exemptions or modifications relied upon, including quotes from at least two suitable network operators if the cost cap is exceeded.
- 30-day response period: Developers must allow network operators 30 working days to respond to an invitation to provide an offer for a connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost cap for installing gigabit-capable network connections?
The cost cap is £2,000 per dwelling, calculated after any financial contribution from the network operator is deducted and including VAT.
Does Approved Document R Volume 1 apply to home conversions or renovations?
No, it does not apply to existing buildings undergoing major renovation works or new dwellings created through a material change of use; these are covered in Volume 2.
What happens if a gigabit connection exceeds the £2,000 cost cap?
The developer must provide the next fastest broadband connection (high-speed or USO-standard) that can be installed without exceeding the £2,000 cap.
Are developers required to sign a contract with an internet service provider?
Requirement RA2 requires the installation of a functioning connection but does not require developers to secure an active internet service contract for the end user.
What infrastructure is required for a block of flats?
A common access point and gigabit-ready physical infrastructure inside the building, such as risers and cable trays, must be installed to host a connection for each individual dwelling.
What is a 'gigabit-capable' network speed?
A gigabit-capable network is defined as an electronic communications network capable of delivering broadband access at download speeds of at least 1,000 Mbps.
When must a developer provide a connectivity plan?
A connectivity plan must be provided to the building control body before the relevant building work starts, typically alongside the building notice or full plans deposit.
Does the regulation require full fibre (FTTP) specifically?
The requirement is technologically neutral; while full fibre is a common solution, any wired or wireless technology that meets the performance requirements may be used.
