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Broadband Funding Support Schemes

Broadband Funding Support Schemes

Broadband support schemes

We are aware of a few broadband funding support schemes, which you may be eligible for depending on your current broadband status.

 

Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme

The government's BDUK programme is running the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme (GBVS). The GBVS will help contribute towards the cost of installing gigabit-capable broadband (1000Mbps or 1Gbps download speeds) in rural areas.

The voucher, which can provide up to £1500 for households and £3500 for businesses, will be available for addresses in hard to reach rural areas, where current broadband download speeds are less than 100Mbps. This is in line with the government's goal of achieving 85% UK coverage with gigabit-capable speeds.

You can use the postcode checker and find out more information about the scheme here: gigabitvoucher.culture.gov.uk

Or, you can find out the eligibility criteria for the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme here: gigabitvoucher.culture.gov.uk/home/who-is-eligible

 

Broadband Universal Service Obligation

The Universal Service Obligation (USO) for broadband is a UK-wide measure intended as a “safety net” to deliver broadband to those premises that do not have access to a decent and affordable connection. The Government have defined a decent connection as one that can deliver 10Mbps download speed and 1Mbps upload speed. Ofcom has defined an affordable connection as one that costs less than £45 per month.

You may be eligible to request a connection under the Broadband Universal Service Obligation from a provider designated by Ofcom. In the first instance, you can approach the Broadband Universal Service Providers to check their eligibility and apply. For UK premises please visit: https://www.bt.com/USO

Are you eligible?

When you contact BT they will have 30 days to confirm if you are eligible, and how much it will cost to build your connection.

Your home or business will be eligible if it:

  • has no access to existing decent broadband; and
  • will not be covered by a public broadband scheme offered by the UK and devolved governments in the next 12 months.

If you currently only have access to a decent service that is priced over £46.10 per month, you'll also have the right to request a universal service connection.

The USO provides a legal right to request a decent broadband connection, up to a cost threshold of £3,400.

BT (and KCOM in Hull) have been designated as the Universal Service Providers responsible for fulfilling requests from eligible consumers.

What are the eligibility criteria?

Residents and businesses are eligible for the USO if:

  • they do not have access to a decent broadband connection (10 Mbps download speed, 1 Mbps upload speed and other specified quality parameters); or
  • if the only service available that can provide the minimum criteria costs more than £45 per month; and
  • the property is not due to be connected to a publicly funded roll-out scheme within 12 months; and
  • the connection will cost no more than £3,400 to build (or the customer has chosen to pay the excess above that amount)

Further Options

Fibre Community Partnership scheme

Openreach’s Fibre Community Partnership (FCP) scheme is an ideal option if the rollout of superfast or ultrafast broadband is not coming to your area. Under the scheme, Openreach will contribute some of the costs of providing your community with access to fibre broadband. Find out if you’re eligible and more at: www.communityfibre.openreach.co.uk

Community Hub Scheme

As part of its mission to connect rural communities, Gigaclear’s Community Hub Scheme is offering community social hubs an ultrafast full fibre broadband connection, free of charge. Whether you’re a village hall, local pub or school, if a Gigaclear connection point is available to you, you could sign up to receive one free, 12-month, 900Mbps service (one free connection available per build area). Find out more at www.gigaclear.com/community-hub