Update from Minister for Media, Data and Digital Infrastructure
Today we have published Building Digital UK's (BDUK) Project Gigabit Spring Update. It reports on the excellent progress we continue to make in delivering reliable, lightning-fast broadband across the length and breadth of the UK.
In this latest quarterly update, the first since BDUK became an Executive Agency, we report on the conclusion of the successful Local Full Fibre Networks programme. This programme has delivered gigabit connectivity to more than 5,000 public buildings, including schools, libraries and GP surgeries, with Government investment of £164 million. We also report that we have now reached the significant milestone of 100,000 Gigabit Broadband Vouchers issued, with 65,000 vouchers claimed so far.
Further updates reported in this publication include the launch of two local procurements in Cornwall and two regional procurements in Norfolk and Suffolk, extending gigabit-capable connectivity to up to around 190,000 premises. BDUK has now begun the pre-procurement process for around three-quarters of expected procurements and has completed over 20 market engagement exercises across the UK.
We also provide updates on how we are working closely with the devolved governments to deliver Project Gigabit plans in some of the hardest-to-reach areas in the UK, and highlight Northern Ireland’s gigabit-capable broadband growth, which has reached the UK wide target of 85% gigabit-capable coverage almost three years early. This means over 750,000 homes in NI are already able to access some of the fastest speeds in the world.
On 1 April 2022, BDUK became an Executive Agency of DCMS, with a new Head Office in the heart of Manchester. This is the most efficient and effective way of ensuring we build on the excellent progress to date, creating a fully gigabit nation and delivering on the Prime Minister’s promise to level up communities across the UK.
The Project Gigabit Delivery Plan Spring Update can be found here - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/project-gigabit-delivery-pla….
