Rural premises with broadband speeds of less than 100Mbps can use vouchers worth £1,500 per home and up to £4,500 for each small to medium-sized business (SME) including sole traders, to support the cost of installing new fast and reliable connections.
Home and businesses in rural locations which meet the following criteria can use vouchers to support the cost of installing new gigabit-capable connections when part of a group project.
- Existing broadband speeds are less than 100Mbps
- A gigabit capable network isn't likely to be built to that area commercially in the near future
- There is no government-funded contract planned or in place to improve the network already
Group projects are when two or more residents and/or eligible businesses get together to combine their vouchers towards the shared cost of installation. Single connections are not eligible for the scheme. Projects will also be subject to BDUK commercial and value for money assessments.
Your new connection speed must reach:
- At least double your existing speed if your current speed is less than 50Mbps
- At least 100Mbps if your current speed is more than 50Mbps
'Rural' is defined using agreed standard measures in the relevant part of the UK.
To check your postcode and find out more : please click here.
Additional support for Staffordshire businesses may be available from Gigafast Staffordshire please contact them directly for details.
