The UK government has officially launched the GBP 400 million Digital Infrastructure Investment Fund (DIIF), aimed at stimulating investment in full-fibre networks. First announced last November, the fund is expected to help the UK catch up in fast broadband, as most investment to date has gone to upgrades of the copper or cable networks, rather than rolling out FTTP services.
The GBP 400 million will be available over four years, and private operators and financial investors are expected to match this with their own funds to reach over GBP 1 billion in total investment in new networks.
The fund will be managed on a commercial basis by private sector partners and is expected to generate a commercial return for the government. Amber Fund Management and M&G Investments, part of Prudential and including the unit Infracapital, have been appointed to run the fund. Investors interested in accessing the state funds are advised to contact the fund managers directly.
