Digital Secretary Oliver Dowden said legislation will be introduced to make sure new-build homes come with gigabit-speed broadband.

It forms part of the prime minister’s plans to roll-out ultra-fast broadband across the whole of the UK.

Developers will be legally required to install high-quality digital infrastructure from the outset, make it a priority as part of the build, and ensure broadband companies are on board before the first brick is laid.

The government has struck agreements with broadband providers to fund some of the costs of installing gigabit broadband in new-build homes.

Dowden said: “This legislation means every new home will be built fit for the future and give people access to world-class broadband speeds from the moment they move in.

“It’s all part of our plan to deliver on our commitment to give everyone in the UK access to gigabit broadband, as we connect and level up the country.”

Gigabit broadband is an internet connection that offers speeds of 1 gigabit per second (1Gb) or more.