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 £4500 for homes and businesses, will be available for addresses in hard to reach rural areas for addresses that do not have gigabit-capable broadband and are not in plans for gigabit-capable broadband. 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
Please note that this top-up scheme is currently on hold to new applications.
The County Council recognises that bringing digital connections to hard-to-reach areas of Essex is key to boosting the economy.
Building Digital UK (BDUK)’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme (GBVS) currently subsidises the costs of bringing gigabit-capable broadband to areas with poor broadband speeds. Essex County Council will top-up existing GBVS to allow a maximum of £15,000 per business and £8,500 per residence.
• Be unable to access superfast broadband speeds (below 30 Mbps)
• Be in a rural area of the county
• Not be in plans for a gigabit-capable service – either from a commercial operator or government-funded scheme
1 - Find a registered supplier and sign up for a gigabit-capable broadband connection.
2 - Your selected supplier will request a voucher from BDUK who will check eligibility and confirm with the supplier that they're happy to proceed.
3 - Your selected supplier will build the connection to all the addresses included in your application.
4 - Once finished, your supplier will inform BDUK that the work has completed and that you have taken up a service.
5 - BDUK will check with you that your service is live and working.
6 - BDUK will run some further checks. Once everything has been confirmed, BDUK will pay the supplier the voucher and top-up funds.
If you need further help and information you can contact Digital Essex using our online contact form.
| Premises | BDUK's Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme | Essex top-up available | Total funding available |
| Residential | Up to £4,500 | Up to £4,000 | Up to £8,500 |
| Businesses | Up to £4,500 | Up to £10,500 | Up to £15,000 |
The scheme is managed by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and not Essex County Council. No separate application is required as eligible properties will receive the top-up funding when benefiting from a Gigabit Broadband Voucher through a registered supplier.