INCA calls on government to act on Lords Inquiry into home-based working

The Independent Networks Cooperative Association (INCA), the altnet industry body has called for the government to address the barriers to rollout of digital infrastructure following the inquiry into the topic by the House of Lords Committee into home-based working.

Alongside techUK, INCA submitted evidence to the committee on the role of digital connectivity, and fibre in particular, when it comes to working from home.

In its submission it included priority recommendations on urban issues such as blocks of flats (multi-dwelling units), which can present unique challenges for providers and residents.

“Working from home is not a luxury, it is increasingly an economic necessity for individuals, families and businesses across the UK. But unless people have access to fast, reliable full-fibre broadband, the right to request flexible working is effectively meaningless. The Government must now act on the Committee’s findings to address the digital divide once and for all.

There’s a risk we focus too much on infrastructure rollout and not enough on adoption. We need joined-up thinking that connects investment in gigabit networks with efforts to increase take-up and confidence among users. INCA stands ready to support government and industry in delivering a future where digital connectivity underpins fair access to employment for all.”

Paddy Paddison, CEO, INCA

Specifically on the MDUs, INCA’s submission stated:

“An individual who may live in a high-rise building or a multi-dwelling unit (MDU) may find that there is gigabit-speed infrastructure in the area, but not accessible within the building. This is a complex property-rights issue to overcome. The resultant lack of full-fibre in these buildings means that an individual may not be able to work from home, but colleagues living in a different type of property are able to do so. INCA urges a full-and- proper consultation from government seeking input on how to overcome urban not spots without dismantling vital competition in the sector. The aforementioned BDUK programme does also provide funding to connect urban not-spots – and rightly so – but the concerns with regards to connectivity in MDUs is a separate concern which requires government leadership to resolve.”

INCA Submission

We are also following in Central London of an individual in a housing association property, unable to get a broadband service, despite it literally being immediately outside of their property, one metre from their front door. There are a number of perverse issues preventing users from accessing broadband, well beyond simple cost of rollout.

The committee which opened on 5 March 2025 continues its work throughout June.