Rural Gigabit Connectivity Programme

Gigabit-capable broadband provides the fastest and most reliable speeds available, and the government is committed to a vision of a full fibre Britain.

The Government have announced a £5bn programme called Project Gigabit to connect rural homes across the country. Work to roll out Project Gigabit began in Autumn 2022 and is forecast to start in South Yorkshire late in 2024. However, if you want to speed up the roll out to your area, there is financial support available. As part of the Government's Gigabit Voucher programme, businesses, and residents in some of the UK's hardest-to-reach rural areas are eligible for funding towards the cost of installing gigabit-capable broadband connections when they form a group project.

Rural residences and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with broadband speeds of less than 100Mbps can use vouchers worth up to £4,500 to support the cost of installing new gigabit-capable connections.

Group projects involve two or more residents and/or SMEs getting together to combine their vouchers towards the shared cost of installation. Single connections are not eligible.

This is a central government scheme run by Building Digital UK, an executive agency of the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT), as one aspect of Project Gigabit. However, SFSY are keen to support in whatever way we can to make sure that South Yorkshire residents and businesses take advantage of the opportunity – for example, facilitating meetings or conference calls.

More information

Am I eligible?

There are a few factors which determine eligibility for the scheme.

Your property must be classified as rural (England & Wales DeFRA definition categories D1 through F2). The Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme is currently paused in the South Yorkshire area due to current Project Gigabit activities, but SFSY can advise you whether a group project might be feasible.

Additionally, your property must not already be able to receive a service which provide broadband speeds of 100Mbps or greater. The Ofcom broadband availability checker can show you which services are currently available.

Ofcom broadband availability checker

You will also need to have neighbours that are eligible and desire to form a group project with you, as a single connection is not eligible.

This is not an exhaustive list of eligibility criteria, please see the scheme terms and conditions for a full list of eligibility rules.

If you have any questions about your eligibility, please get in touch.

Email: hello@superfastsouthyorkshire.co.uk

I'm eligible, now what?

Drop us an email to let us know you are interested; we will be happy to guide you through the process.

Email: hello@superfastsouthyorkshire.co.uk

The connection you plan to take up with your chosen supplier must be gigabit-capable. This does not mean you will need to pay for a 1Gbps (1,000Mbps) package, just that the technology used must be capable of delivering such speeds, so that the connection is future-proof.

The package you choose must deliver speeds which are double your current available speeds, and at least 30Mbps.

The process is supplier-led, meaning that they complete the application process and are reimbursed the voucher amount, rather than you having to handle the application yourself.

You will also need to find likeminded members of your community to join the group project. Contacting parish councils and posting in local Facebook groups are good ways to generate interest. SFSY are happy to help by attending meetings or facilitating conference calls as needed.

The Rural Gigabit Broadband Voucher Process

The below infographic outlines the steps which follow once a group project of interested, eligible properties has been formed.