Part R - Electronic communications

Publication title: Approved Document R - Physical infrastructure for high speed electronic communications networks 
Date published: April 2016
Date valid from: 1 January 2017

Summary

Approved Document R contains guidance on high speed electronic communications networks, i.e. the use of physical infrastructures within a building to ensure it may be connected to a broadband network.

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The Merged Approved Documents¹

A consolidated version of the individual Approved Documents published by the government, now presented as a single, searchable PDF.

Previous version

• Approved Document R: physical infrastructure for high speed electronic communications networks².

Changes in this version

This Approved Document introduces a new requirement for in-building physical infrastructure which enables copper or fibre-optic cables or wireless devices capable of delivering broadband speeds greater than 30 Mbps to be installed.

The requirement applies in England to new buildings and to existing buildings that are subject to major renovation works and applies both to dwellings and to buildings other than dwellings.

Approved Document R takes effect on 1 January 2017 for use in England. It does not apply to work subject to a building notice, full plans application or initial notice submitted before 1 January 2017.

This is the first edition of the Approved document.

1. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/building-regulations-and-approved-documents-index#approved-documents
2. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/517789/BR__PDF_AD__R__2016.pdf