Project Gigabit Explained: UK Government Broadband (2026)

Project Gigabit is the UK government's £5 billion programme to bring gigabit-capable broadband to the hardest-to-reach 20% of premises not covered by commercial fibre rollouts. Contracts have been awarded to Openreach, Gigaclear, Wessex Internet and Voneus among others, targeting completion by 2030.

What Is Project Gigabit?

Project Gigabit is the government's flagship broadband programme, backed by £5 billion in public funding to connect the UK's hardest-to-reach premises with gigabit-capable broadband. It targets the estimated 5 million homes and businesses unlikely to receive commercial fibre rollout from providers like Openreach, Virgin Media or CityFibre. The programme replaced the previous Universal Service Obligation approach with a more ambitious goal of near-universal gigabit coverage by 2030. Contracts are awarded regionally to providers who build FTTP networks in designated areas. The programme sits alongside the Broadband USO, which guarantees at least 10 Mbps to all UK premises via BT or KCOM. Project Gigabit covers England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, though devolved governments also run complementary programmes like Scotland's R100 and the Welsh Superfast Cymru successor.

Which Areas Benefit?

Project Gigabit focuses on rural and semi-rural areas where commercial broadband companies have no plans to build. This includes villages, hamlets, farms and isolated properties across all four UK nations. Areas are identified through a process that first allows commercial providers to declare their build plans, then designates remaining premises as eligible for public funding. Contracts have been awarded across regions including the South West (won by Openreach and Gigaclear), the Lake District (Fibrus), East Anglia, the Welsh borders and parts of Scotland. Priority areas include those currently limited to ADSL at under 10 Mbps. The programme also includes a voucher scheme providing up to £4,500 per home towards gigabit-capable connections in eligible areas. Community-led schemes can pool vouchers for village-wide installations.

How Project Gigabit Works

The programme operates through competitive procurement. Building Digital UK (BDUK), part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, manages the process. Regional lots are advertised, providers bid, and contracts are awarded based on cost-effectiveness, delivery timeline and coverage commitment. Contracted providers build FTTP infrastructure using a mix of government subsidy and their own investment. Openreach has won the largest share of contracts, followed by Gigaclear in rural England, Wessex Internet in the South West, and Voneus in scattered rural areas. Fibrus is delivering Northern Ireland's equivalent programme under Project Stratum. Once built, the networks are open-access — meaning multiple retail broadband providers can sell services over the same infrastructure, giving consumers choice even in previously underserved areas.

Progress and Timeline

As of March 2026, Project Gigabit has awarded contracts covering over 2 million premises, with build work underway across England, Scotland and Wales. The programme aims to reach all targeted premises by 2030, though some contracts have experienced delays due to planning permissions, wayleave agreements and supply chain challenges. Around 500,000 premises have been connected through Project Gigabit contracts so far. The voucher scheme has funded an additional 100,000+ connections. Remaining areas without contracted build plans will be addressed through future procurement rounds or the growing GigaHubs programme connecting community buildings. For premises that cannot be economically connected to fibre, 4G and 5G wireless and satellite solutions provide alternative gigabit-capable access. The overall government target remains at least 85% gigabit coverage by the end of 2025, already exceeded, and nationwide coverage by 2030.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Project Gigabit?

Project Gigabit is the UK government's £5 billion programme to bring gigabit-capable broadband to the hardest-to-reach premises. It funds FTTP fibre installation in rural and underserved areas through contracts with providers like Openreach and Gigaclear.

Will Project Gigabit come to my area?

Check the BDUK Project Gigabit map to see if your area has a planned or active contract. If not, you may be eligible for a broadband voucher worth up to £4,500 towards a gigabit-capable connection.

When will Project Gigabit be finished?

The government targets nationwide gigabit coverage by 2030. Over 2 million premises are under contract as of March 2026 with around 500,000 already connected. Remaining areas will be covered through future procurement rounds.

Can I get a broadband voucher?

The Gigabit Voucher Scheme provides up to £4,500 per home and £3,500 per business towards gigabit broadband installation in eligible rural areas. Check the BDUK website for eligibility at your address.

Related Guides

Broadband Coverage Map UK · Broadband for Rural Areas · Broadband Universal Service Obligation · Broadband Availability Checker

Methodology & Sources

Information in this guide is sourced from Ofcom market reports, Openreach coverage data, ISPreview.co.uk, provider websites and independent broadband research from Point Topic and Thinkbroadband. Prices and availability are checked monthly. Speed data reflects advertised average speeds from provider Key Facts documents.