Project Gigabit is the UK government’s programme to enable hard to reach communities to access fast, reliable gigabit-capable broadband. It targets homes and businesses that are not included in broadband suppliers’ plans. The Project Gigabit programme expects 99% of premises to have access to a gigabit-capable connection by 2032.
New Online Address Checker
The UK government has launched a new online address checker allowing households and businesses to see whether they are due to receive a gigabit broadband upgrade. The service allows users to enter their postcode to see if their property is included in the government’s Project Gigabit programme or in commercial fibre deployments.
Allegedly more than 750 homes and businesses are now gaining access to gigabit-capable broadband each day through Project Gigabit. Over one million additional premises are expected to benefit from live government contracts, including major deals to expand full-fibre broadband across rural England and Wales. Faster broadband is expected to support sectors such as agriculture, tourism and small businesses in remote areas.
Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance, commented:
“The continued rollout of gigabit-capable broadband and improved mobile coverage in rural communities is a welcome step towards closing long-standing connectivity gaps across the UK. However, infrastructure alone will not solve digital poverty. Around 19 million people in the UK experience some form of digital exclusion, and government figures show that around 1.6 million people are still living entirely offline. We estimate around 2 million people lack connectivity due to affordability and gigabit broadband is frequently out of reach due to higher costs.”
Anderson continues: “While faster networks are important, they only make a difference if people can afford to use them. For many households, the cost of connectivity and suitable devices remains a significant barrier to getting online, barriers which will continue to remain despite infrastructure innovation. As the UK continues to invest in faster broadband, it is vital that inclusion keeps pace with infrastructure. Connectivity must be not only available, but affordable and accessible for everyone if we are to ensure the benefits of the UK’s digital transformation are shared across all communities.”
Mobile coverage is also improving through the Shared Rural Network programme, which is expanding 4G connectivity in previously underserved areas across the UK.
Jennifer Holmes, CEO of the London Internet Exchange, commented:
“The continued rollout of gigabit-capable broadband and improved mobile coverage is an important step in strengthening the UK’s digital infrastructure. As demand for online services continues to grow, the networks that underpin the internet must be resilient, efficient and capable of supporting increasing volumes of data. Strong infrastructure is essential not only for everyday connectivity, but also for supporting innovation, economic growth and the UK’s wider digital ambitions. Investment in faster and more reliable connectivity will help ensure that businesses, public services and communities can fully participate in an increasingly digital economy. As the UK continues to expand its digital infrastructure, maintaining resilience and performance across the wider internet ecosystem will remain critical.”
