The UK government has launched the GBP 67 million Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme (GBVS) to provide eligible homes and businesses with help towards the costs of fibre connections. The government will provide vouchers worth up to GBP 3,000 for SMBs or GBP 500 for residents to install full-fibre broadband connectivity.
The voucher scheme builds on the GBP 200 million Local Full Fibre Networks programme. A market trial was launched in four areas in late-2017, with around 1,000 vouchers issued to SMBs through this pilot. The scheme will now be extended nationwide by end-March. In order for residents to benefit from the programme, they must be part of a community group scheme which includes small businesses.
The national roll-out of the scheme has been welcomed by the ISPA. In a statement, the industry group said that it was greatly encouraged by the UK Government's commitment to encouraging deployment of ultra-fast infrastructure and insisted that ISPA members have been instrumental in the proliferation of fibre connections in the UK.
