The latest report by the Building Digital UK agency shows that 30 live procurement contracts to expand broadband are in place worth $1.7 billion, reported TechRadar. As part of the U.K.’s Project Gigabit, the government’s $6.4 billion commitment to delivering lightning-fast, reliable broadband to every corner of the United Kingdom, the current stage of the program should supply gigabit-capable broadband to 895,000 locations.
The BDUK is responsible for identifying which rural and remote communities are eligible for public funding and subsidy. The agency’s phased approach to connectivity also includes “Gigabit Vouchers.” TechRadar reported, “Gigabit Vouchers are worth up to $5,775 per home, business, or community group premise.” The vouchers allow individual residents and businesses to contract fiber suppliers to connect their properties. Some residents and businesses join forces to increase the pot. BDUK reported that over 117,000 vouchers had been awarded, connecting 91,600 premises.
Under the current phase of Project Gigabit, the government is allocating $545 million to remote broadband rollout, including awarding six contracts. Residents in 284,000 hard- to-reach areas of Cambridgeshire, the New Forest, North Shropshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Hampshire will get connected. TechRadar reported that CityFibre had been awarded $408 million to expand 10 Gbps service to 218,000 locations, with live connections slated for summer 2024.
According to BDUK, North Dorset and Cumbria now have active connections, and construction is underway in Teesdale and North Northumberland. Project Gigabit also launched 11 new local and regional procurements with a combined investment value of $526 million, slated to reach 225,500 premises. This next round of connections will impact Derbyshire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, North East Staffordshire, Leicestershire, Warwickshire, Nottinghamshire, West Lincolnshire, Mid West Shropshire, North Oxfordshire, South Oxfordshire, Dorset, South Somerset, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly. Next up on BDUK’s list for expansion is Cheshire, Lincolnshire, and the East Riding.
TechRadar reported that another $4.6 billion is still available under Project Gigabit. Outside the government’s program, Openreach aims to connect 25 million premises by 2026. Virgin Media is also investing $5.7 billion to connect 23 million locations by 2026. CityFibre will connect 8 million homes, and Gigaclear will invest $539 million to connect rural villages.
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