Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme
Full fibre broadband connections offer the fastest and most reliable speeds available, and the government is committed to a vision of a full fibre Britain. As part of this commitment The Government is providing up to £210m worth of voucher funding as immediate help for people experiencing slow broadband speeds in rural areas.
Rural Gigabit vouchers can be used by small businesses and the local communities surrounding them to contribute to the installation cost of a gigabit-capable connection. Businesses can claim up to £3,500 against the cost of connection either individually or as part of a group project. Residents can benefit from the scheme with a voucher worth £1,500 as part of a group project.
Am I eligible?
The scheme is available for small to medium-sized enterprises and residents.
A small to medium-sized enterprise is defined as one that employs fewer than 250 people and has an annual turnover not exceeding £36 million, and/or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding £18 million. This includes sole traders.
In order to benefit from a voucher as a resident, you must be part of a group project with eligible businesses. As part of this group, you are able to combine the values of your vouchers.
There is no minimum size for a group project but for every business in the group you can have up to 10 residents’ vouchers worth £1,500 each.
Please read the terms and conditions for details or for more specific queries, contact your supplier.
How do I claim a voucher?
Businesses or residents that are eligible for gigabit vouchers can access the scheme through a supplier.
Voucher funding can only be used through a broadband supplier registered to this scheme as part of a broadband upgrade project shared with your neighbours. A supplier may already be developing a project in your area or they may be able to develop a new project if there is enough demand in your community.
They will need to develop a project proposal to connect you and your neighbours, and then request vouchers on your behalf. Funding is only committed when a voucher requested on your behalf has been approved by us, and we have your agreement to our terms and conditions.
Find out if you are eligible here.
The chart below shows the step-by-step process that each voucher recipient will go through to activate their voucher:
