The many benefits of a full fibre gigabit connection
include:
- allowing businesses to upload and download massive
files in a matter of seconds
- enabling widespread use of videoconferencing
throughout an organisation
- providing an unprecedented level of reliability
whilst greatly enhancing resilience
- future proofing - making sure that businesses have
the technology in place to deal with the ever increasing
demands for internet speed and connectivity
- allowing businesses in remote communities to compete
on a technologically level playing field with those
companies based in major cities who may already have full
fibre connectivity
Minister for Digital said:
A world-class digital communications network is
essential to ensure the UK’s future competitiveness in
the global market and its ability to attract
investment. Faster and more reliable connections are
transforming the way we live and work, and better
broadband supports businesses to grow and become more
productive.
These voucher pilots, alongside a range of other
actions, are testament to Government’s ambition for
full fibre infrastructure across the UK to underpin our
digital economy.
Four areas across the UK have been carefully selected to
test the market conditions and infrastructure conditions
we aim to help to create through the wider Local Full
Fibre Network programme. The areas are:
- Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire
- Bristol, with Bath and North East Somerset
- Coventry and Warwickshire
- West Yorkshire Combined Authority (Bradford,
Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, Wakefield and York)
This programme comes as part of the government’s £23
billion National Productivity Investment Fund aimed at
improving productivity, which is key to raising living
standards. This fund has already earmarked £740 million
specifically for improving Britain’s digital
infrastructure, ensuring the UK is match-fit for the
future.
The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, MP, said:
We are determined to provide the infrastructure needed
for British businesses to thrive and prosper. The
rollout of next generation, full-fibre broadband will
help do that.
Lightning internet speeds and unprecedented reliability
will boost trade and ensure our firms can connect
effortlessly to their customers and suppliers.
Notes to Editors
- For more information on the scheme, please go
to https://gigabitvoucher.culture.gov.uk/
- The trial voucher Scheme will only allow vouchers to
be used to help pay for new connections that are “gigabit
capable”. Generally, this will mean that the connection
is physically delivered using a fibre optic cable
directly into the premises (FTTP).
- Connections delivered this way are future-proof and
have the capability to provide incredibly fast and
reliable broadband connections. Other technologies are
supported by the Scheme – for example, wireless – but
these too must provide gigabit capable connectivity.
- The trials comes hot on the heels of
the Digital
Infrastructure Investment Fund announced
earlier in the year, as well as new legislation to
enable business rates relief for new fibre. Unlocking
more than £1 billion for full fibre broadband, the fund
has ignited interest from private finance to invest in
the sector.
- £2m has been made available for vouchers for the test
phase. Across the four areas this fund will operate as a
single challenge fund. The market test phase will end
when the money has gone or by the end of March 2019,
whichever comes first.
- In order to take part in the Scheme, suppliers must
be registered and must be able to demonstrate that they
are genuinely able to provide the high quality
connectivity the Scheme aims to support. If you think you
meet these criteria in the areas where the test is taking
place, contact us at: https://www.gigabitvoucher.culture.gov.uk
