Thousands of homes and businesses to gain high-speed internet access
The UK government’s Project Gigabit initiative will deliver ultrafast broadband to approximately 131,000 homes and businesses in rural areas, addressing long-standing issues of slow internet speeds. With over £289 million allocated through newly signed contracts, some of the most remote areas in Britain—including the Dee Valley, Isle of Anglesey, and Shropshire Hills—will soon have access to gigabit-capable broadband.
This investment will provide faster and more reliable connectivity, enabling residents to access vital services like virtual healthcare, online education, and remote job applications. Businesses in these areas will also benefit from enhanced opportunities to expand their digital presence and serve customers more effectively.
Bridging the digital divide
As part of the government’s Plan for Change, the rollout aims to stimulate economic growth and create equal opportunities for all. By extending high-speed internet to remote locations, communities will gain the tools to thrive in the digital age, reducing regional disparities and enhancing quality of life.
Key areas and investment
The newly announced contracts with Openreach will bring gigabit connectivity to towns and villages across North and Southwest Wales, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Devon, Somerset, Essex, Northeast England, and Worcestershire. This builds on earlier agreements that targeted 96,600 premises, with £800 million set aside to modernize broadband infrastructure in rural England, Scotland, and Wales.
A boost for rural Britain
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle emphasized the significance of the project, stating, “We are determined to deliver the infrastructure this country needs to thrive, and I am thrilled to see so many homes and businesses in all areas of the country getting access to the fastest broadband speeds on the market through Project Gigabit.
With today’s £289 million investment, we are not only boosting connectivity, but making it easier to access remote healthcare, online education, shopping online. work, learn, shop and stay in touch with loved ones online.
As part of this government’s Plan for Change, we will plug digital divides, helping to make the UK a more equal society where everyone is given a fair shot in life”.
Gigabit broadband benefits
Gigabit-capable broadband offers speeds far superior to traditional copper-based networks, with no slowdowns during peak hours and the capacity to support multiple devices simultaneously. These improvements will facilitate remote working, seamless streaming, and smooth online experiences for entire households.
Currently, over 85% of the UK has access to gigabit connections, positioning the country well to meet its goal of full gigabit coverage by 2030. With dozens of contracts signed and over £2.2 billion invested, Project Gigabit is rapidly expanding, transforming rural economies and enhancing connectivity for millions.
A success story in digital infrastructure
Openreach CEO Clive Selley highlighted the broader benefits of the initiative, saying, “Our new Full Fibre broadband network now reaches more than half of all properties in the UK, and we’re confident we can reach as many as 30 million premises by the end of the decade, assuming the right regulatory and investment conditions exist. This is a British infrastructure success story which experts say will boost productivity by £73 billion and bring a raft of social and environmental benefits for the country. We believe that everyone deserves access to fast and reliable broadband, and we’re proud that this partnership will help extend our ultrafast, ultra-reliable network to areas that would otherwise be left behind by the private sector”.
The UK government’s commitment to improving broadband access underscores its vision for a digitally connected nation, empowering individuals and businesses alike to seize new opportunities and foster growth. Photo by "Carlos Delgado; CC-BY-SA", Wikimedia commons.