Communication is going to be improved in rural Buckinghamshire thanks to a new government scheme whereby people and businesses will be able to apply for funding to access gigabit broadband.
Greg Smith MP has been pressuring Ministers to urgently deliver improved broadband to Buckinghamshire and is delighted the county is one of 17 councils across the country to top up the Government’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme with an additional £22 million, which will mean more local residents are eligible for a voucher of up to £ 3,500. Small businesses in the area can apply for up to £7,000.
The Government is increasing gigabit-capable broadband with a £1 billion commitment to improve connectivity for rural communities. The Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme supports areas where the cost of building new broadband infrastructure is too high for commercial operators alone.
Greg is urging local people to take advantage of this new funding, by applying for a voucher. This will enable them to future proof their homes and businesses with a superfast internet connection.
In last year’s General Election, the Conservative Party pledged to level up digital infrastructure across the whole country. The Government has since confirmed £5 billion to provide gigabit broadband over the coming years.
Greg said: “Throughout the coronavirus pandemic we’ve been reminded of the importance of fast, reliable internet connections at home. Gigabit vouchers are a vital part of our billion pound commitment to rural broadband and will ensure that rural communities can seize the benefits of new technology. I would urge people and businesses across Buckinghamshire to sign up now.
“I was proud to be elected on a manifesto which pledged to end the digital divide, and this is an important step to making that a reality.”
Matt Warman, Minister for Digital Infrastructure, added: “This government is determined to connect every home and business to the fastest broadband speeds available from the Highlands to the Jurassic Coast.”
The Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme is a UK-wide, supplier-led scheme offering vouchers used as part of a group project, to pay towards the cost of installing gigabit-capable broadband to rural premises, i.e. homes and businesses, providing speeds of over 1,000 mpbs or 1 gbps. Beneficiaries do not have to take those speeds and pay only for what they want to use, knowing they can increase them over time. Anyone who is interested uses a postcode checker to find registered suppliers in their area.
Their chosen supplier will guide them through the application. For more information and to check eligibility visit: https://gigabitvoucher.culture.gov.uk/