More than one million British homes are set to receive a free internet upgrade as part of the government's Project Gigabit, with a new interactive map revealing which areas are eligible. The initiative targets hard-to-reach communities not included in commercial broadband suppliers' plans.
The government expects 99% of homes and businesses to have gigabit-capable internet by 2032. Project Gigabit, launched in 2021, is now upgrading over 750 premises per day, marking the fastest rate of rollout to date.
Openreach has signed a deal worth up to £1.2 billion to bring full fibre to over 297,000 rural homes and businesses. Additionally, more than 30 contracts have been awarded to other companies as part of the programme.
A Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme offers eligible homes vouchers worth up to £4,500 to cover installation costs, though it is currently only open for new projects not covered by existing or planned commercial coverage.
Telecoms minister Liz Lloyd said: 'Many rural communities have long struggled to do even the basics online due to slow internet speeds. Now, hundreds of households and companies are receiving government-funded upgrades every day - helping those who would otherwise miss out.'
