Earlier this month, Altnets hosted a roundtable meeting, in collaboration with the Internet Service Providers’ Association (ISPA), to highlight the ongoing engineering challenges Internet Services Providers (ISPs) face when installing fibre broadband in MDUs (multi-dwelling units). With approximately 17 million people currently residing in MDUs across the UK, reliable and efficient broadband in these buildings is essential. The path to achieving high-speed connectivity in every MDU in the UK has a multitude of obstacles – from structural complications to compliance obligations – that make fibre optic broadband installation a difficult process.
At Altnets, we are committed to providing our ISP customers with solutions to these challenges. Our range of products has been carefully selected and designed to assist those struggling with the most complex MDU builds, ensuring that fibre broadband can be delivered to all residents, despite the challenges.
Key Engineering Challenges in MDUs
During our roundtable discussion, industry leaders highlighted several key difficulties currently faced by ISPs in the UK when connecting MDUs:
1. Diverse Building Structures
MDUs are extremely varied in their structural designs, based on factors like the number of separate properties (from 7 upwards is generally considered an MDU by ISPs), the age of the building, and refurbishments or redesigns that have been undertaken. As few MDUs are identical, no single connectivity solution can fit all. Added to this, outdated building plans can complicate external and internal cabling solutions. Engineers often find themselves up against obstacles they didn’t anticipate, whether it’s hidden structures or rooms that have been moved.
2. Compliance and Regulations
The Grenfell Tower fire in London in 2017 highlighted the critical importance of ensuring that all buildings are thoroughly surveyed and compliant with safety standards to protect their inhabitants. However, complying with evolving regulations adds another layer of difficulty regarding the swift upgrading of connectivity in MDUs. Securing accurate asbestos surveys and adhering to new fire regulations, particularly in listed or conservation buildings, can be time-consuming and costly.
3. Stakeholder Engagement
Carrying out upgrades in MDUs means navigating the interests of all relevant stakeholders, including landlords, management associations, and tenants, both in private and social housing. Getting all parties to agree on an installation plan can delay projects, and failure to address their concerns can mean a complete pause on instalments. Wayleaves add another layer of complexity, particularly when landlords are unresponsive or live overseas. Positive early engagement has the added incentive of increasing conversion rates of customers for ISPs.
4. Installation and Maintenance
After being put in place, broadband infrastructure in MDUs can be hindered in the future by issues requiring repairs, such as rodents, accidental damage or vandalism. Therefore, when designing builds ISPs need to take future maintenance needs into account, for example by deploying armoured cabling in areas prone to mechanical damage or rodents. Furthermore, maintaining and repairing installations can be problematic if property access is limited or if landlords are uncooperative.
Solutions to MDU Installation Challenges
Although there are varying challenges, there are a range of solutions that unlock the potential of MDUs for ISPs. One thing that came out clearly from the discussion was a desire for standardisation within MDU builds, speeding up the initial process of gaining permission for builds to take place, through to ensuring the components used are the best and most compliant for the job. A standard set of solutions to offer within MDU telecoms builds is one way of avoiding the lengthy process of designing bespoke solutions for each individual building.
Altnets offers products that are designed to ensure fast and simple installations that comply with UK safety standards, including Construction Products Regulations (CPR). Quicker installations of course mean lower engineering costs, especially if the build is simple and does not require a skilled technician. As ISPs usually base their MDU strategy on the cost per premises (CPP) being under a certain figure, standardisation is one clear way the industry can unlock more of these properties and collectively tackle the UK’s digital divide.
By offering these solutions, we make it easier for ISPs to work quickly and efficiently in MDUs. Whether you’re dealing with hidden structures or regulatory compliance, Altnets provides the tools to help engineers stay on track.
Strength in Numbers
One of the strongest takeaways from the roundtable discussion was that collaboration is vital for success. ISPs must work together to overcome common challenges in MDU builds. Working together as an industry is crucial to achieving the UK’s Project Gigabit goals. Altnets is dedicated to promoting collaboration among ISPs, facilitating discussions on key industry topics, and driving innovation through product development and an optimised supply chain to support these collective efforts.
Early engagement with stakeholders and partnerships between ISPs can lead to faster approvals and smoother installation processes. Collaboration not only helps to overcome technical and logistical challenges but also ensures that fibre broadband installations in MDUs are completed efficiently and to the correct standards.
At Altnets, we’re proud to offer the solutions that help ISPs meet the unique challenges of MDU installations. Once you’ve navigated the regulatory and logistical hurdles, our products enable installations that minimise disruption and maximise time constraints. Whether you need the best quality cables that are also discreet and fully compliant or need a new approach for simple second-fix installations, Altnets is here to support your telecoms builds.
To find out how we can support your MDU installations and more information on our product catalogue, get in touch with our team of experts at [email protected]
