Watch Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Thursday 15 January 2026 10.00 am
Project Gigabit
Following the conclusion of the Fastershire project, the responsibility for delivering ultra-fast broadband to rural and hard to reach areas has transitioned to the UK government's Project Gigabit scheme.
Project Gigabit will be crucial to achieving the government’s target of gigabit-capable
broadband reaching 99% of UK premises by 2032. It targets homes and businesses that
are not included in broadband suppliers’ plans, reaching parts of the UK that might
otherwise miss out on getting the digital connectivity they need. The connections
delivered by Project Gigabit will benefit rural and remote communities, as well as tackling
pockets of poor connectivity in urban areas.
Having the fastest, most reliable broadband means households no longer having to battle
over bandwidth, and gives people the freedom to live and work more flexibly. Project
Gigabit is driving productivity across British businesses, as well as in our schools,
hospitals and other public services so they can deliver better outcomes for taxpayers.
As demand for faster internet speeds continues to grow, Project Gigabit will ensure the
UK network is fit for the future. Project Gigabit is upgrading the nation with the fastest,
most reliable broadband infrastructure on the market, which will meet people’s needs not
just today but for decades to come. Read more here.
Gigabit broadband means no more battling over bandwidth. Entire families will be
able stream movies, TV and video games in new high quality 4K and 8K definition
onto multiple devices at the same time with no annoying dropouts or slowdowns in
speed.
More broadly, better broadband is kickstarting growth in every corner in Britain:
from creating and supporting thousands of high-paid, high-skilled jobs to making it
easier for launch new businesses. Project Gigabit will support our plans to kickstart
economic growth, empowering industries of all kinds to innovate and increase
productivity by taking up digital technology.
Faster, more reliable connections will also break down barriers to opportunity,
ensuring people can access vital services they need now and in the future, from
giving patients improved access to healthcare through virtual appointments and
remote health monitoring to helping pensioners combat loneliness by finding new
ways to connect with loved ones.
Gigabit broadband means no more battling over bandwidth. Entire families will be
able stream movies, TV and video games in new high quality 4K and 8K definition
onto multiple devices at the same time with no annoying dropouts or slowdowns in
speed.
More broadly, better broadband is kickstarting growth in every corner in Britain:
from creating and supporting thousands of high-paid, high-skilled jobs to making it
easier for launch new businesses. Project Gigabit will support our plans to kickstart
economic growth, empowering industries of all kinds to innovate and increase
productivity by taking up digital technology.
Faster, more reliable connections will also break down barriers to opportunity,
ensuring people can access vital services they need now and in the future, from
giving patients improved access to healthcare through virtual appointments and
remote health monitoring to helping pensioners combat loneliness by finding new
ways to connect with loved ones.
Gigabit-capable networks can deliver speeds of at least 1,000 megabits per second,
making it possible to download a one-hour HD TV show in eight seconds.
The infrastructure is far more reliable, resilient and easier to maintain compared
with traditional, copper-based networks – which means fewer internet outages
disrupting lives and businesses, and no more battling for bandwidth with the
neighbours.
Widening access to gigabit is essential to a modern, digital Britain. It will enable
people and businesses to seize the benefits of the internet regardless of where they
live - from the basics like online shopping and banking to emerging tech like virtual
reality.
As the demand for connectivity continues to increase in the decades ahead, the
rollout will also ensure people across the country can access the services they need
now and in the future.
Gigabit-capable networks can deliver speeds of at least 1,000 megabits per second,
making it possible to download a one-hour HD TV show in eight seconds.
The infrastructure is far more reliable, resilient and easier to maintain compared
with traditional, copper-based networks – which means fewer internet outages
disrupting lives and businesses, and no more battling for bandwidth with the
neighbours.
Widening access to gigabit is essential to a modern, digital Britain. It will enable
people and businesses to seize the benefits of the internet regardless of where they
live - from the basics like online shopping and banking to emerging tech like virtual
reality.
As the demand for connectivity continues to increase in the decades ahead, the
rollout will also ensure people across the country can access the services they need
now and in the future.
The UK Government’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme (GBVS) can help people in hard-to-reach communities not currently in line for broadband upgrades through commercial or existing government-funded schemes to upgrade their broadband connections.
Eligible homes and businesses can apply for up to £4,500 to cover the costs of a gigabit-capable connection, which enables broadband providers to reach further into rural areas where the build costs are higher.
The voucher scheme is only open for new projects to cover premises which are not included within a Project Gigabit procurement or contract and which are not covered by commercial plans.
Read more information on the GBVS voucher scheme here.
The UK Government’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme (GBVS) can help people in hard-to-reach communities not currently in line for broadband upgrades through commercial or existing government-funded schemes to upgrade their broadband connections.
Eligible homes and businesses can apply for up to £4,500 to cover the costs of a gigabit-capable connection, which enables broadband providers to reach further into rural areas where the build costs are higher.
The voucher scheme is only open for new projects to cover premises which are not included within a Project Gigabit procurement or contract and which are not covered by commercial plans.
Read more information on the GBVS voucher scheme here.