The Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme is hosted by the Government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) as part of its Local Full Fibre Networks Programme. It’s available to SMEs in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to help them to pay for the installation cost of a gigabit-capable connection. Businesses can claim up to £2,500.

What’s a gigabit-capable connection?

In the UK we’ve now achieve over 95% superfast broadband coverage. Superfast means speeds of 24 megabits per second or higher. As technology advances and more broadband is needed, the UK is aiming for 1,000 megabits – gigabits. But most of the current fibre network is still travelling through copper telephone wires, slowing down the speeds. To get the fastest and most reliable broadband, and to make networks gigabit-capable, a total fibre connection is needed.

A gigabit means a huge difference in connection speeds, so if you’re a business owner, this brings huge benefits.

As an approved Government partner, we can work with you to find out if you’re eligible and then carry out the work to help you claim your voucher.

Why the investment in gigabits?

The purpose of the scheme is to increase the speed of distribution of full fibre networks across the UK. Full fibre broadband connections are the most reliable in terms of speed, so the Government is planning to connect the whole of the UK with full-fibre broadband by 2033. It’s part of a huge £200 million investment plan, which they need help from businesses to implement.

Are you gigabit ready?

Getting gigabit ready is fundamental for most businesses, so this scheme is definitely something to take advantage of while it’s available. Demand for stronger digital connectivity is set to increase, and a full fibre connection will be able to support this.

The speed difference means your business could be more reliable in providing exceptional customer service by reducing delays in high-traffic periods. It’s also crucial for supporting effective remote working, video conferencing, data backup and cloud connectivity. Most importantly, it will help to boost the productivity of your employees.

Am I eligible for the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme?

Businesses can claim up to £2,500 against the cost of connection, either individually or as part of a group project. Your business can boost the voucher’s value by working with other businesses or up to ten residential customers.

You must be a small or medium enterprise and not have access to a gigabit-capable connection already. Some harder-to-reach premises in the UK could be eligible for rural voucher funding.

You can use the Government’s postcode search to find out if you’re eligible for a rural voucher or top-up funding.

The Government states that you must talk through the options available with a registered supplier and decide which supply contract is best for your circumstances. You can call us on 01793 838300 to see if you’re eligible and to discuss your next steps.

We’ll then work with you to install your line and update the Government. The voucher is sent to us, and the amount is deducted from your costs. We don’t make anything from the voucher scheme – we just help the Government to implement their plan.

Find out more

If you have any more questions please call us on 01793 838300, or email us at info@v12.co.uk

You can also visit the official Government website: https://gigabitvoucher.culture.gov.uk/