By 2026, businesses will expect fast, secure internet from the moment they move into a commercial space, and waiting weeks for installation is no longer acceptable. That shift means the telecom infrastructure in a building is now as critical as its plumbing or electrics. I’ve watched this change accelerate over the last few years, and it keeps coming up with tenants and landlords alike — connectivity is no longer a nice-to-have, it’s a dealbreaker. Here’s what you actually need to know.
These figures from Ofcom’s latest Telecoms Access Review show huge progress, but also a gap. Most buildings can get fast fibre, but only about a third of businesses have actually switched. If you’re renting commercial space, that gap matters — because the building you choose might have the infrastructure, or it might not. And if it doesn’t, you could be waiting weeks to get online. Before you sign anything, it’s worth understanding how commercial renting vs buying affects who pays for connectivity upgrades. A video doorbell might seem unrelated, but smart building tech like this relies on the same stable network you’ll need for your business operations.
What “connectivity-ready” actually means for your commercial lease
When I say a building is connectivity-ready, I don’t just mean there’s a broadband socket in the wall. I mean the property has fibre running to it, the internal wiring can handle modern speeds, and there’s a plan for what happens when the copper network shuts down. The UK’s copper switch-off is accelerating, with the full transition expected by 2027. Many buildings still rely on copper for lifts, alarms and legacy phone systems. If your prospective space hasn’t started that transition, you’re looking at a future headache.
My first move when viewing a commercial space is to ask the landlord or agent two questions: what type of connection is currently installed, and when was it last upgraded. If they can’t answer, that’s a red flag. You can check availability yourself on Openreach’s fibre checker or through a comparison site. Don’t rely on what the listing says — verify it. And if you’re looking at a rural property, the situation can be very different, so essential advice for rural commercial leases is worth reading alongside this.
Why connectivity is now a dealbreaker for tenants
Businesses today cannot afford downtime. A connectivity disruption can stop operations completely, particularly for companies relying on cloud platforms, video calls, digital payments or remote collaboration. According to commercial property connectivity trends, buildings with fibre already installed are far more attractive to tenants because they allow businesses to move in and get online almost immediately. That speed of setup can save weeks of lost productivity.
I’ve seen tenants walk away from otherwise perfect spaces simply because the internet wasn’t ready and the landlord had no plan to fix it. That’s not an overreaction. For a modern business, connectivity is as fundamental as electricity. If the building can’t support your operations from day one, it’s not the right space. This is especially true if you’re in a sector like tech, media or professional services, where every hour offline costs money. A home security starter kit might seem like a domestic product, but the same principle applies to commercial security systems — they all need a reliable network to function properly.
Where tenants and landlords get it wrong
I’ve noticed three recurring mistakes when it comes to telecom infrastructure in commercial leases. Each one is avoidable, but they keep happening because connectivity is still treated as an afterthought.
Assuming the building has modern fibre when it doesn’t
Just because a property is in a city centre doesn’t mean it has full-fibre. Many older commercial buildings still run on copper or fibre-to-the-cabinet, which is significantly slower. The Telecoms Access Review notes that while 83% of premises can access gigabit-capable networks, full-fibre take-up sits at just 35%. That means many buildings have the option but haven’t taken it. Always check the actual connection type, not just the advertised speed.
Ignoring the copper switch-off deadline
The UK’s copper network is being phased out by 2027. If your building still uses copper for lifts, alarms or phone lines, those systems will stop working unless they’re migrated to digital alternatives. This isn’t a distant problem — it’s less than two years away for many properties. Landlords who haven’t started planning are going to face urgent, expensive retrofits. Tenants should ask for a written timeline of when the building will be fully digital.
Not negotiating connectivity into the lease
Many tenants assume they can sort out internet after moving in. But if the building lacks fibre infrastructure, the cost of installation can fall on you. Some landlords will agree to cover it as part of the lease negotiation, especially if you’re a long-term tenant. Don’t leave it to chance. Get it in writing. If you’re planning renovations, commercial space renovation advice can help you factor connectivity into the design from the start.
→ Scroll right to see all columns
| Metric | 2021 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-fibre coverage | ~23% | 69% |
| Gigabit-capable coverage | 40% | 83% |
| Premises with 2+ network choices | Not stated | 70% |
| Full-fibre take-up | Not stated | 35% |
How to secure the right telecom infrastructure for your commercial space
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Getting the right connectivity setup isn’t complicated, but it does require asking the right questions before you sign. Here’s a practical guide to what you need to check and how to act on it.
Check the building’s current connection type before you view
Use Openreach’s fibre checker or a comparison site to see what’s available at the address. If the building only has fibre-to-the-cabinet, you’re looking at slower speeds and a future upgrade need. If it has full-fibre, you’re in a strong position. If the checker shows nothing available, that’s a major warning sign — especially for rural properties. In that case, essential advice for rural commercial leases covers the specific challenges you’ll face.
Ask about backup connectivity and resilience
Downtime is expensive. Ask the landlord whether the building has any backup internet provision, such as a 5G failover connection. If not, consider whether you need to arrange one yourself. For businesses that rely on cloud platforms, a backup connection isn’t a luxury — it’s insurance against lost revenue. A security camera that goes offline during a break-in is useless, and the same logic applies to your business-critical systems.
Negotiate infrastructure costs into your lease
If the building needs a fibre upgrade, the cost can run into thousands. Don’t assume you have to pay for it. Many landlords will cover installation if you’re signing a multi-year lease, because it increases the property’s value. Get a written agreement on who pays for what, and include a timeline for completion. If you’re unsure about the legal side, a tenant landlord lawyer can review the lease terms before you commit.
Plan for the copper switch-off now
If the building still uses copper for any system — lifts, alarms, entry phones — those will need to be migrated to digital by 2027. Ask the landlord for their migration plan. If they don’t have one, that’s a risk you’re taking on. A Wi-Fi water leak detector is a good example of a smart device that needs a stable network, and it shows how many building systems now depend on connectivity.
- 1Check the connection typeUse Openreach’s fibre checker or a comparison site before you view the property. Know whether it’s FTTP, FTTC or copper-only.
- 2Ask about backup connectivityFind out if the building has 5G failover or a secondary internet line. If not, budget for one yourself.
- 3Negotiate upgrades in the leaseGet written agreement on who pays for fibre installation and when it will be completed. A lawyer can help with the wording.
- 4Plan for the copper switch-offAsk for the landlord’s digital migration plan. If there isn’t one, factor the cost and disruption into your decision.
Frequently asked questions
Can a landlord refuse to let me install fibre? ▾
Who pays for fibre installation in a commercial lease? ▾
What happens to my phone line after the copper switch-off? ▾
Is 5G a reliable alternative to fibre for a business? ▾
Do I need a lawyer to review the telecom clauses in my lease? ▾
Connectivity is no longer a secondary concern when renting commercial space — it’s a core part of whether a building works for your business. The UK’s fibre rollout has made fast internet available to most premises, but the gap between availability and actual installation means you can’t assume anything. Check the connection type, ask about backup, negotiate upgrades into your lease, and plan for the copper switch-off. If this was useful, you might also want to read understanding service charges for commercial rentals in the UK.
Sources and Further Reading
Commercial property hotspots in the UK — See where businesses are investing and how connectivity affects location choices.
Commercial property connectivity trends 2026. Fuse Telecom, 2026.
Telecoms Access Review 2026-31. TechUK / Ofcom, 2026.
