Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme (GBVS) - UK

About this grant

Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme (GBVS) - UK Grant contribution to pay towards upgrading business broadband to a high-speed capable connection.

Eligibility requirements

All of the following criteria must be met:

• Existing available broadband download speeds are less than 1 Gbps.
• A gigabit-capable network is unlikely to be built commercially in the area in the near future.
• There is no government-funded contract planned or in place to improve the network.
• The premises are not vacant, unoccupied, derelict, or built within the last two years.
• The GBVS team provides registered suppliers with an indicative list of eligible premises in areas open to voucher projects.
• Suppliers must conduct further eligibility checks before developing project proposals and requesting vouchers.
• A project must cover at least two eligible premises.
• At least two eligible residents and/or businesses must contribute their vouchers toward the shared installation cost.
• Single-property connections are not eligible for the scheme.
• All projects are subject to GBVS commercial and value-for-money assessments.
• New connection speeds must be at least double the existing speed if the current speed is below 50 Mbps.
• New connection speeds must reach at least 100 Mbps if the current speed exceeds 50 Mbps.

What the funding covers

• Vouchers worth up to £4.5K to help towards the costs of installing a gigabit-capable broadband connection
• Part of Project Gigabit - the government's programme to roll out fast, reliable broadband to homes and businesses not included in suppliers' commercial plans
• Provides small grants for residents and businesses that suppliers can accumulate towards the cost of the network build
• Focused on helping people upgrade broadband connections through localised projects
• Operates in areas where there is no Project Gigabit procurement or contract, or existing or planned commercial coverage
• Helps eligible homes and businesses get connected to gigabit-capable (1000Mbps) fibre networks
• Reduces or eliminates installation fees for eligible customers
• Provides funding needed to get connected to full-fibre broadband
• Supports gigabit-capable broadband which is ultrafast and reliable using full-fibre connection (FTTP or FTTH)
• Supports symmetrical speeds (same upload and download speeds, unlike traditional broadband)
• £210 million worth of voucher funding provided by the government
• Vouchers can only be used through a broadband supplier registered to this scheme
• Helps people experiencing slow broadband speeds in rural areas
• Operationally focused on rural and urban connectivity not-spots in the UK

How to apply

1. 1Check that the premises meet the eligibility criteria for the scheme.
2. 2Contact a registered GBVS supplier to discuss broadband upgrade options.
3. 3The supplier will carry out eligibility checks and assess the premises.
4. 4Work with the supplier to develop a project proposal and voucher application.
5. 5Ensure the project includes at least two eligible premises participating in the installation.
6. 6The supplier submits the voucher request on behalf of the applicants.
7. 7The project undergoes GBVS commercial and value-for-money assessment.
8. 8Once approved, the broadband infrastructure is installed by the supplier.
9. 9Confirm the installation has been completed and the required connection speeds have been achieved.
10. 10The voucher funding is released following successful project completion and verification.

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