Updated: 11.12.2023
The government is on a mission to deliver lightning-fast, reliable broadband to everyone in the UK and is investing £5 billion in Project Gigabit to ensure that hard-to-reach communities are not left out.
Addresses in Essex are in one of two Project Gigabit lots, either Lot 21 (Essex) or Lot 5 (Cambridgeshire and surrounding areas). While most addresses in Essex are in Lot 21, some addresses in the Uttlesford district are in Lot 5. Check your postcode in this list to see if your address is in either the Essex or Cambridgeshire lots.
CityFibre has been awarded the contract to deliver gigabit-capable connections to addresses within Lot 5. They are currently in the process of completing initial surveys and selecting which addresses will be included in the rollout.
For information on Lot 5, please visit Connecting Cambridgeshire.
The majority of Essex is not currently in procurement by BDUK.
As a result of findings from the Lot 21 Public Review and market engagement, BDUK revealed significant planned commercial activity within Essex. This leaves a limited number or premises eligible for subsidy.
Therefore, as of September 2023, procurement in Essex has been paused.
For further information on Lot 21 and the Public Review, visit the Public Review Closure Notice.
For more information about BDUK's position in Essex, please check our interactive map to understand the eligibility of your address.
Premises without an existing or planned gigabit-capable connection may be eligible for the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme. For queries regarding your eligibility for a voucher, please contact BDUK at correspondence@dsit.gov.uk.
For the latest information on the nationwide Project Gigabit programme, please visit projectgigabit.campaign.gov.uk.