SCCI's Perspective on the Challenges of Full Fibre Upgrades for MDUs

"Recent discussions, largely driven by Openreach, are pushing for regulatory changes to ease the problems of access to Multi-Dwelling Units (MDUs).

In response, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has sought input from internet service providers (ISPs), but there has been little representation from freeholders.
With over 35 years of experience working with both freeholders and full-fibre ISPs, we have a unique insight into the barriers to fibre broadband delivery in MDUs. 

This experience has led to the development of our solutions such as:

1. 4Fibre: An increasingly popular neutral shared full-fibre network supporting multiple providers over a single installation.
2. Fibre Assist: Helping freeholders navigate fibre deployment across their entire portfolio.

We believe it's critical to distinguish between "upgrading" and "installing new infrastructure." The installation of fibre is a complex process that involves significant safety considerations, such as asbestos management, fire safety, and resident impact. The term “upgrade” oversimplifies what is essentially the creation of a new network. Freeholders must maintain control over access to their buildings, ensuring work is done safely and to a high standard. 

ISPs, focused on speed and cost, may take shortcuts that compromise safety and long-term viability. If ISPs are granted automatic rights, how can freeholders ensure the safety and integrity of their buildings?

Openreach's push for automatic rights stems from underestimating the complexities of MDU installations, particularly in areas where other ISPs have already deployed, sometimes poorly. Altnets have been navigating these challenges for years, and changing the law to favour one player is unfair to those who have worked within the current framework.

Paragraph 17 of the Electronic Communications Code outlines the conditions for upgrading and sharing infrastructure, stating any changes must have minimal impact on appearance and impose no additional burden on property owners.

 However, upgrading and installing fibre are vastly different. Installing a new fibre in some MDU’s can take up to 10 weeks- demonstrating how misleading the term “upgrade” can be. We believe freeholders should retain the right to decide what happens on their property. Loosening planning rules could lead to serious financial and legal consequences. Instead of focusing solely on upgrade rights, the government should promote shared, neutral networks like 4Fibre, which allow multiple ISPs to use a single installation, reducing the burden on freeholders and accelerating fibre deployment. 

The Electronic Communications Code already supports shared networks, stating operators have a legal duty to share apparatus whenever practicable. We have always been committed to breaking down barriers to fibre deployment, so we think shared networks should be a government priority alongside the review of upgrade rights. With Openreach lobbying the government & DSIT looking for feedback from industry, we were happy to give perspective from a freeholders / landlord side.

 We were happy to be asked, and shared the same feedback to Department for Science, Innovation and Technology via their recent Q&A for industry 

Feel free to reach out to discuss all things Fibre”  

When it comes to building safety & breaking down barriers to deployment of Fibre in MDU’s, we believe 4Fibre is a compelling solution. 

• A Neutral Hosted Shared Full Fibre Network
• Remember (communication code) “operators have a legal duty to share apparatus whenever practicable.
• Future ready a building for full fibre – just ONCE
• High quality installation that reduces the penetration through walls & the proliferation of cable and cabinets
• Better for the aesthetics & the fabric of the building to which it is deployed
• It is more robust than traditional networks
• Carbon efficient – by virtue of completing work in one operation.
• Reduced risks by up to 75%  - compared to multiple separate truck rolls & installations.
• It is bespoke and flexible and makes the most of space within a building 

Not every building is suitable for 4Fibre, so we provide a strategy that means a freeholders whole portfolio can be covered. That strategy is Fibre Assist – a solution aimed at Freeholders & further helps to break down barriers to fibre deployment. Fibre Assist, provided by SCCI Alphatrack, supports freeholders in managing full-fibre deployments across their property portfolios.

Partnering with Fibre Assist ensures that MDU fibre deployment is handled with expertise and integrity, delivering the best outcomes for all parties involved—freeholders, residents, and ISPs alike.
SCCI can assist freeholders by managing the entire process of fibre deployment, from planning and design to installation and maintenance. Provides a turnkey solution that mitigates risks, addresses challenges, and ensures that the deployment is completed successfully and safely across the whole client portfolio.  

Freeholders need to ensure that their properties are equipped with full fibre connectivity to meet the growing demand for high-speed internet. This is essential not only for attracting and retaining tenants but also for increasing property values and future-proofing the buildings. 

SCCI is a reliable choice due to its extensive experience, commitment to quality, and ability to deliver projects efficiently. Their expertise ensures that freeholders can navigate the complex process of fibre deployment without unnecessary delays or complications. 

Deploying fibre networks involves navigating various challenges, including safety regulations, maintaining high-quality standards, and minimizing the carbon footprint. SCCI prioritizes these aspects, ensuring that all deployments are safe, sustainable, and meet the highest quality standards. 

If you're a freeholder affected by the collapse of Complete Fibre/CTG or simply interested in deploying fibre in your properties, the next step is to contact SCCI Alphatrack. They will provide an assessment and guide you through the process, ensuring a smooth and successful deployment. 

• Reliability: Dependable project completion.
• Expertise: Access to industry-leading knowledge and experience.
• Value Addition: Increased property value through modern connectivity.
• Sustainability: Environmentally responsible deployment practices.
• Seamless Integration: Easy collaboration with ISPs for network deployment.
• Scalability: Ability to handle large-scale projects.
• Efficiency: Streamlined processes to reduce time and cost.