What is the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme?
The Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme has been created to help fund the government’s goal to roll out full fibre internet throughout the UK. Vouchers are available to SME’s, Sole Traders and local surrounding communities who are struggling with a slow internet connection and need to improve their connectivity.
As a commitment to working towards a full fibre Britain, the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme began in March 2018, by The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport who have dedicated £67 million to the scheme. This allows businesses to claim up to £2,500 and homes to claim up to £500 against the cost of a new network installation.
Why Gigabit Broadband?
Fibre gigabit connections provide up to 1000Mbps (1Gbps) which is more than ten times faster than the usual 24Mbps – 100Mbps superfast home broadband, offered by standard internet providers. Gigabit connections also offer 1000Mbps upload and download speeds, providing you with more bandwidth than you will ever need – future-proofing everyone’s connection.
Everyone will need a full fibre connection in order to not be left behind. Fibre technology enables homes to use multiple devices and stream across them, without noticing a drop in speed and businesses are also able to grow without running the risk of reducing the reliability of their connection.
What are the criteria to qualify for funding?
For a business:
Have less than 250 employees
Have no more than £43 million on their balance sheet
Turnover is less than £50 million
Confirm that the broadband speed will be doubling the current connection
For a Sole Trader or Resident:
To qualify you will only need to provide a small amount of information to confirm your address to validate your funding.
How long is the scheme available for?
The Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme is designed to run for as long as the funding is available. The pot of funding will only last so long and it has already supported many homes and businesses since it began.
We’ve supported over 600 businesses and surrounding communities with upgrading their connectivity which has enable us to play a big role in improving connectivity in the UK.
Are you looking to get support with upgrading to a full fibre network? Our team of experts will be able to guide you through the entire process and also provide you, your residents or tenants with an internet service they can rely on. Contact us today on 0333 305 7560 or via email hello@factco.co.uk to start your fibre network installation.
