Excess construction charges, October 2026 An extra build charge is a quote, not a bill. You get a say first £1,000 of extra "last drop" work Openreach doesn't charge for, on the first full fibre service at a home Openreach Price List Before work BT says it will get your agreement before any extra work starts BT Consumer Price Guide £3,400 covered under the legal right to decent broadband, if you can't get 10Mbps USO Order 2018 6 weeks until you can take an unresolved complaint to an ombudsman, free Communications Ombudsman An excess construction charge is a one-off bill for extra building work needed to get full fibre to your home, such as new duct under a driveway, a new pole or a long cable run. You'll only see one if reaching your home needs extra work just for you. If yours does, you get a say first. BT says it will get your agreement before any work starts, and Openreach's price list shows it doesn't charge for the first £1,000 of extra "last drop" work on the first full fibre service at a home. The widely quoted £3,400 is a different allowance, for copper phone lines and the legal right to decent broadband. And there are often cheaper routes, from another network to a shared build with neighbours. Key facts, checked 14 October 2026 Who this is for: Anyone quoted extra to connect full fibre, or worried they might be: homeowners down long drives, rural households, people buying a new build, renters and flat dwellers, and anyone helping a neighbour or relative make sense of a quote. Direct answer: A one-off charge for extra building work needed to get full fibre to your home, such as new duct under a driveway, a new pole or a long cable run. It's worked out from the network's rate card after a survey. Openreach's price list says excess construction charges apply where "additional infrastructure is provided to give new or an extended service at an end user's site", and not where it has decided to extend its network for commercial reasons. Put simply: when Openreach builds full fibre in your area as part of its own rollout, it doesn't charge extra for that. A charge only comes up when reaching your home needs new infrastructure just for you. Openreach says "a survey will be carried out and charges will be individually assessed" using its published rates. How an excess construction charge happens You order full fibre From your chosen provider, on Openreach or another network. Survey If extra work looks likely, the network surveys the route to your home. Quote Your provider tells you the extra charge, worked out from the network's rate card. You decide Accept, ask questions, or say no. BT says it gets your agreement before any work. Build Only if you've said yes. Then your connection goes ahead. Direct answer: For the first full fibre service at an existing home, Openreach's price list shows "the first £1000 of charges will not be raised" for extra work from the nearest fibre point into your home. The £3,400 you may have heard about is a different allowance. This is where a lot of confusion comes from. Openreach's £3,400 allowance is for "the first narrowband voice service provided at a site", which means a copper phone line. The legal right to decent broadband, the USO, also uses £3,400, but it only applies to homes that can't get 10Mbps download and 1Mbps upload. For full fibre at a home, the figure in Openreach's price list is £1,000, and it's applied once per home. Openreach's figures are before VAT, so check how your own quote is shown. Our guide to the USO explains the £3,400 right in full. Direct answer: It depends on the distance and what the ground is made of. Openreach charges, before VAT, £39.94 a metre for new duct across a lawn or verge, and £183.25 a metre under a road. Nobody publishes an average quote. What each metre of extra work costs (Openreach, before VAT) Other items on the rate card (before VAT) £966.96 for each new pole Openreach £331.60 survey fee, only charged if you accept the extra charges (with some exceptions) Openreach £95.45 to drill through each external wall Openreach £9.71 per metre of cable, on top of any duct Openreach A worked example: a house 25 metres back from the road Two homes the same distance from the network can get very different quotes, because a metre of new duct under a road costs over four times a metre across grass. Openreach also says that if you ask for a costlier way of connecting than the least-cost route it would normally use, you pay the difference. So it's always worth asking whether a cheaper route is possible. Check every network at your address Another network may already reach your home as standard. See every deal we can find at your postcode before you accept a build quote. Prefer to talk it through? Call 0330 122 1223 Direct answer: Yes. BT says it will "get your agreement to proceed before we start any work", and Openreach only charges its survey fee if the extra charges are accepted. Sky's terms say it cancels and refunds where extensive construction is needed. Your protections, simply put You're asked first BT says it gets your agreement before work starts, and Openreach only charges its survey fee if the extra charges are accepted. No surprise extras Consumer law says a trader can only charge on top of the agreed price if you gave express consent before you were bound by the contract. 14 days to change your mind Ordered online or by phone? You can usually cancel within 14 days. If you asked for service to start sooner, you may pay for what you had. Free help after 6 weeks If your provider hasn't sorted a complaint within 6 weeks, you can take it to an ombudsman for free. Consumer law backs this up. The Consumer Contracts Regulations say no payment is due on top of the agreed price "unless, before the consumer became bound by the contract, the trader obtained the consumer's express consent". If you ordered online or by phone, you usually have 14 days to cancel. If you asked for your service to start sooner, you may have to pay for what you've had. Our guide to reading your contract summary shows where set-up charges appear. Direct answer: Ask in writing whether your address is in the network's build plan, whether extra work could be needed, and what happens to your order if you decline an extra charge. Three questions to ask in writing before you order Is my address in your network's build plan? If it is, the build is already paid for, and an extra charge is unlikely. Could this order need extra build work, and would I be quoted separately? Asking in writing gives you a record of the answer. If an extra charge comes up and I say no, what happens to my order? You want confirmation that declining leaves you free, and out of pocket by nothing. Direct answer: Check every network at your exact address, ask for an itemised quote and a lower-cost route, talk to neighbours about sharing a build, and use the USO if you can't get 10Mbps. Quoted an extra charge? Six things to do Check every network Get it itemised Talk to neighbours Below 10Mbps? Use the USO Look at alternatives Unhappy? Complain If a network isn't planning to build where you live, Openreach's Fibre Community Partnership is for "communities that are outside of our own build plans", and lets a group co-fund a build with Openreach. Our village full fibre guide explains how it works. The government's gigabit availability checker shows whether a build is planned for your address in England and Wales. If a fixed line looks too costly, our guides to 5G home broadband and Starlink for rural homes cover the alternatives. Direct answer: If you can't get 10Mbps download and 1Mbps upload, yes. The universal service obligation covers up to £3,400 of the cost of a connection, and you can choose to pay anything above that. The legal right to decent broadband (USO), at a glance Who it's for What's covered Neighbours count The law says the right applies where decent broadband "will not be made available to that location through a publicly-funded intervention within the period of one year". It also tells Ofcom to take account of how far costs "may be shared between multiple locations", which is why neighbours applying together can help. Our full USO guide explains who qualifies, how to apply and what changed in 2026. Direct answer: Not for new projects. The Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme closed to new voucher projects on 31 August 2026. Homes in existing projects can still benefit until the scheme closes on 31 March 2028, or sooner. Help with build costs: where things stand GOV.UK says vouchers were "worth up to £4,500 each", and that "only premises in existing voucher projects can be eligible for voucher funding now the scheme is closed to new project submissions". The government's programme for hard-to-reach communities is Project Gigabit, which our Project Gigabit explainer covers. Direct answer: In England, the developer of a new home must secure a gigabit connection if it costs £2,000 or less per home, including VAT. In blocks of flats, Openreach says there's usually no charge to install full fibre to the building. Buying a new build in England? The £2,000 rule Gigabit connection The developer must secure one if it costs £2,000 or less per home, including VAT. Next best: high-speed If gigabit costs more, a high-speed connection within the same £2,000 cap. Then: USO standard If that costs more too, a connection meeting the legal minimum, within the cap. For flats, Openreach says "there is usually no charge for Openreach to install Full Fibre to a building", although extra charges may apply for specialist or non-standard work. The other step is permission from the building owner. Our guides to broadband for new builds, broadband for flats and getting your landlord and freeholder to say yes cover each case. Direct answer: The big one: Openreach's £3,400 allowance isn't for full fibre. For the first full fibre service at a home, its price list shows £1,000. And a quote is never a bill until you accept it. Myth or fact? Six things people get told Direct answer: Complain to your provider in writing. If it isn't resolved within 6 weeks, or your provider sends a deadlock letter, you can take it to an ombudsman for free. The Communications Ombudsman says that before 8 April 2026, providers had 8 weeks to put things right, and "Ofcom have now reduced this to 6 weeks". Keep copies of what you were told when you ordered, and of the quote. Our guide to broadband complaints and the ombudsman walks you through it. Free and independent. Deals listed by price, lowest first. Full fibre or not, you could be paying less While you weigh up a quote, see what's available on your current line today. Prefer to talk it through? Call 0330 122 1223 In summary Alex's closing thought A four-figure quote for something you thought was free is a horrible surprise. But it's a quote, not a bill, and you're in charge of what happens next. Ask what each line is for, check whether another network already reaches you, and talk to your neighbours, because a shared build can change the maths completely. And if your broadband is really poor, the legal right to decent broadband exists for exactly this situation. Rural and hard-to-reach homes Installs and contracts Share it with neighbours on your lane, your village group or anyone holding a surprise quote. You are welcome to quote and link to this article. Please credit BroadbandSwitch.uk and link to this page. In a sentence: An excess construction charge is a one-off charge for extra build work needed to connect a UK home to full fibre, worked out from the network's rate card after a survey; Openreach's price list shows it doesn't charge for the first £1,000 of extra last-drop work on the first full fibre service at a home, BT says it gets the customer's agreement before any work starts, and the separate £3,400 figure applies to copper phone lines and the universal service obligation. A one-off charge for extra building work needed to connect your home, such as new duct under a driveway, a new pole or a long cable run. Openreach works it out from a published rate card after a survey, and your provider passes on the quote. No. It only applies if you accept it. BT says it will "get your agreement to proceed before we start any work", and Sky's terms say it cancels and refunds where extensive construction is needed. No. The £3,400 allowance in Openreach's price list is for the first copper phone line at a site. For the first full fibre service at an existing home, the price list shows the first £1,000 of extra last-drop work isn't charged. Nobody publishes an average, because every route is different. Openreach's rates, before VAT, include £39.94 a metre for new duct across a lawn or verge, £183.25 a metre under a road, and £966.96 for a new pole. Openreach's price list says its survey fee is only charged if the extra charges are accepted, except for some non-standard lines. Check your provider's terms too. Openreach's price list gives no allowance for second homes, furnished holiday lets or holiday site chalets and caravans. There's also none if an allowance has already been used at the address. Ask your provider whether neighbours ordering at the same time could share a build. Under the USO, the law tells Ofcom to account for costs shared between several homes, and Openreach's community partnerships let a group co-fund a build. Some do. Gigaclear, for example, includes free standard installation, but says "a quoted installation charge for non-standard installation will apply" if you don't qualify. Ask any network before you order. Not for new projects. The Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme closed to new voucher projects on 31 August 2026. Homes in existing projects can still benefit until the scheme closes on 31 March 2028, or sooner if the project ends. If you can't get 10Mbps download and 1Mbps upload, yes. The universal service obligation covers up to £3,400 of the cost of a connection, and you can choose to pay anything above that. Our USO guide explains how to apply. Since 26 December 2022, building rules in England say the developer must secure a gigabit connection if it costs £2,000 or less per home, including VAT. If it costs more, the next fastest connection within that cap. Complain to your provider in writing. Consumer law says extra payments need your express consent before you're bound by the contract. If it isn't sorted within 6 weeks, you can go to the ombudsman for free. Written by Dr Alex J. Martin-Smith, Founder of BroadbandSwitch.uk (LinkedIn). Reviewed by Adrian James, Broadband Editor. Published 14 October 2026. We read Openreach's price list, the legislation and every provider page quoted here on 14 October 2026. Rates change, so always check the figures on your own quote. This is general information, not legal or financial advice. Corrections are logged publicly.Excess construction charges for full fibre: what they are and how to avoid them
What is an excess construction charge?
How much is included for free?
What's being connected First work not charged What it means First full fibre service at an existing home £1,000 The work from the nearest fibre point (usually a pole or underground chamber) into your home. Applies once per home. First copper phone line at a site £3,400 This is where the much-quoted £3,400 comes from. It's for a copper voice line, not full fibre. Second copper phone line £1,000 Only one allowance per home. Business Ethernet circuits (EAD) £3,680 Business leased lines, from 1 April 2026. It was £2,800 before. Second homes and holiday lets £0 No allowance at all. The same applies if an allowance has already been used at the address. How much could I be asked to pay?
25 metres of new duct across a lawn 25 × £39.94 £998.50 25 metres of cable 25 × £9.71 £242.75 Survey fee Included in the calculation £331.60 Total extra work £1,572.85 Less the full fibre allowance First £1,000 not charged -£1,000.00 Left to pay, before VAT £572.85 With VAT at 20%, if passed on in full £687.42 Can I say no?
Provider What it says Where it says it BT "We will tell you if the charge will be higher and get your agreement to proceed before we start any work." BT Consumer Price Guide, effective 25 September 2026 Sky "Sky will not install fibre optic broadband services where extensive construction over and above standard needs is required." If the engineer can't proceed, Sky says "we will cancel your order and refund any monies you have paid in full." Sky Broadband and Talk terms, from August 2024 Gigaclear "All broadband packages include free standard installation." If you don't qualify, "a quoted installation charge for non-standard installation will apply." Gigaclear offer terms, February 2026 Your provider Not listed here? Ask in writing whether any extra charge could apply, and what happens if you decline it. Our advice What should I ask before I order?
How can I avoid or reduce an excess construction charge?
Can the USO help?
Are gigabit vouchers still available?
What about new builds and flats?
What do people get wrong about excess construction charges?
What if I was surprised by a charge?
Keep going: more help with full fibre installs
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Martin-Smith, A. J. (2026, October 14). Excess construction charges for full fibre: what they are and how to avoid them. BroadbandSwitch.uk. https://broadbandswitch.uk/insights/full-fibre-excess-construction-charges/ Frequently asked questions
What is an excess construction charge?
Do I have to pay an excess construction charge?
Does Openreach pay the first £3,400 of a full fibre install?
How much could an excess construction charge be?
Will I be charged for the survey if I say no?
Why is there no allowance for my holiday home?
Can my neighbours and I share the cost?
Do other networks charge for extra build work?
Can I still get a gigabit voucher?
Can the USO help with an excess construction charge?
I'm buying a new-build home in England. Will I pay for fibre?
What can I do if I was charged without agreeing?
References
Excess construction charges for full fibre: a UK guide
Written by Alex Martin-Smith (LinkedIn) • Reviewed by Adrian James (LinkedIn)
Last reviewed: 14 October 2026
Quick summary: Quoted extra to connect full fibre? What excess construction charges are, the £1,000 Openreach allowance, your right to say no, and cheaper routes.
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Moleploughing cable into the ground
£13.14
Directly buried cable
£28.52
New duct in a soft surface, such as a lawn or verge
£39.94
New duct under a pavement
£97.74
New duct under a road
£183.25
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20 Mar 2020
The legal right to decent broadband (USO) starts. It covers up to £3,400 of the connection cost.
26 Dec 2022
In England, new homes must be built gigabit-ready, with a gigabit connection if it costs £2,000 or less per home.
31 Aug 2026
The Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme closes to new voucher projects.
Until 31 Mar 2028
Existing voucher projects keep delivering, unless they end sooner.
Today
Check your address on the government's gigabit checker to see if a build is planned.
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