Neighbour won't let broadband cables cross their land: who helps?

Summary

When a neighbour refuses broadband cables across their land, you have more options than it may seem. Your deeds may already include a right to run services under a shared track. Broadband providers have legal powers to ask for access, called wayleaves, and as a last resort can apply to a tribunal under the Electronic Communications Code. They may also find another route, or you can use 4G, 5G or satellite broadband. If no decent broadband is available, the universal service obligation may help.

Key information

• Your deeds: a right of way over a private track sometimes includes a right to run pipes and cables. A conveyancer can check.
• Wayleaves: an agreement letting a provider put cables on someone's land. The provider's wayleave team normally handles this.
• Code powers: under the Electronic Communications Code, providers can apply to a tribunal if a landowner refuses. They do this mainly for bigger schemes, but it is worth asking.
• Other routes: providers can usually lay cables in public roads without a wayleave.
• Wireless options: 4G or 5G home broadband and satellite need no cable across the neighbour's land.
• Universal service obligation: you can request decent broadband from BT if you cannot get at least 10 Mbit/s download. It is free up to £3,400 of build cost.
• Talk first: mediation can help if the refusal is about the work itself.
• The broadband provider can: survey routes, ask the neighbour for a wayleave, and explain whether it will use Code powers. They will not always pursue a tribunal for one property.
• BT can: under the universal service obligation, check whether your home qualifies for a broadband universal service obligation connection and quote any cost above £3,400. They will not force a neighbour to allow cables.
• A conveyancer or property solicitor can: check your title and deeds for rights to run services. They will not always advise for free.

Practical guidance

• Get your title and plan from HM Land Registry and check for rights to run services.
• Ask your provider, or Openreach, to survey other routes and to contact the neighbour about a wayleave.
• Ask whether the provider would use Electronic Communications Code powers.
• Offer the neighbour mediation if the issue is about disruption.
• Meanwhile, check 4G, 5G and satellite options.
• If no decent broadband is possible, request a connection under the universal service obligation.
• Ask the Shaman to map the steps.

Related topics