Building Regulations requiring the installation of ducting for broadband internet services could add £460 to the cost of a typical house, says the government.
A consultation document for Part Q of the regulations was launched last week by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. It is part of the government's UK Online initiative to ensure the UK is fully connected to the internet by 2005.

The draft Part Q requires all buildings to have cable ducting, and stipulates where it must be installed.

The regulations would apply to all new buildings, and buildings subject to a change of use.

The guidance notes are only provided for dwellings, as the ODPM believes the regulations will apply in the main to homes, since most commercial and public buildings will have data cable ducting installed.

The consultation period ends on 13 June. The government will then decide whether to proceed with the proposed Part Q, which would become law, or simply issue guidance notes.