Businesses around the UK are being urged to make use of a £2500 voucher for gigabit broadband speeds before the scheme closes due to high demand.

The Government’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme has already helped more than 7000 UK businesses and surrounding homes, who have used the vouchers to contribute to, and in many cases fully fund, the installation cost of a full fibre gigabit capable connection.

In case you were not aware, fibre optic broadband uses fibre optic cables to send data. It is fast, especially compared to traditional ADSL broadband, and provides a more reliable connection to boot. In recent years, fibre optic broadband has started to appear all over the world. For example, if your business is based in Australia, researching the best fibre internet Melbourne has to offer could enable you to find the perfect connection for your company.

Similarly, residents in America can make the most out of internet deals on offer by Eatel, a US based Internet Service Provider who help Americans in a similar way to what this broadband voucher scheme has done. For more information on this, visit https://www.eatel.com/deals for further details.

The £67 million scheme was initially expected to run until March 2021, but high demand for vouchers means that funds are now expected to be committed a year earlier, and perhaps even sooner if the current success of the scheme continues to grow. To date, demand for the scheme has been strongest in the South West, followed by the South East, Yorkshire and the North West. Whilst some are still opting for satellite internet options, this scheme could be helpful too.

Minister for Digital Margot James said:

“Our modern Industrial Strategy is clear on the importance of connectivity, as we build a full fibre Britain that is fit for the future. These vouchers provide practical and immediate help to firms struggling with slow broadband speeds.I encourage small businesses around the UK to apply now. ”

To ensure as many businesses and homes benefit, the maximum value of the voucher will be reduced from the current £3000 to £2500 in a move that will encourage neighbouring businesses to “pool” their vouchers.

This will enable the scheme to reach more properties without the need for any additional funding. We expect more than 1000 additional businesses and homes to benefit as a result of this change.

DCMS will be carefully monitoring take-up following this change to the scheme rules to determine whether there are locations in which a higher voucher value would be justified.

The scheme is part of a series of Government initiatives to build a Britain with nationwide full fibre broadband coverage by 2033, making sure no communities are left behind. In addition to the voucher scheme, the Chancellor recently announced £200 million for an ‘outside-in’ approach that will see full fibre broadband rolled out in the hardest to reach rural locations at the same pace as the rest of the country. The Borderlands, Cornwall, and Welsh valleys will be amongst the first areas to be targeted.