Overview
Project Gigabit is a UK Government programme delivered by Building Digital UK (BDUK) to bring lightning-fast, reliable broadband to homes and businesses across the country – including those in rural or hard-to-reach areas.
Through the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme (GBVS), the government provides funding to help cover the cost of installing gigabit-capable full-fibre broadband to eligible properties. The national target is for at least 85% of the UK to have access to gigabit-speed broadband by 2025.
How the Voucher Scheme Works
The Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme offers financial support for each property connected through an approved supplier such as B4SH (Broadband for Surrey Hills).
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Residential properties may receive £1,500 towards the cost of installation.
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Business premises may be eligible for £3,500 per connection.
Vouchers are issued by BDUK and claimed by B4SH after a connection is live and confirmed by the customer. The funding helps us continue expanding our community-built network into new rural areas.
Eligibility
Vouchers are available to eligible homes and businesses that:
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Do not currently have access to a gigabit-capable broadband service, and
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Are not included in any existing government-funded or commercial full-fibre rollout plans.
Eligibility is determined at a UPRN level. B4SH will verify whether your property qualifies under the current government criteria before inviting you to apply.
Please note that at present there is a temporary freeze on new voucher-funded projects in Surrey, so while we cannot apply for new vouchers here currently, we continue to gather interest for future phases.
Why Apply for a Voucher?
By applying for a government gigabit voucher, you’re helping more than just your own household – you’re supporting your entire community.
Each connection funded through a voucher contributes directly to the growth of the local full-fibre network, making it faster and more affordable to reach more properties across the Surrey Hills.
What Happens When you Apply?
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B4SH sends you a link to complete your voucher application online and confirm whether you’re applying as a home or business.
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BDUK contacts you directly to confirm your application — you’ll need to reply within 28 days to validate your voucher.
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Once your service is live, BDUK will contact you again to confirm that your B4SH service is working — again, please respond within 28 days.
After your service is confirmed, BDUK releases the voucher funding directly to B4SH to help fund the continued expansion of the network.
Installation Timeline
Once a voucher is approved, B4SH must complete the installation and activate your connection within 12 months. We’ll always keep you updated on progress throughout the build and installation process.
Schools and Public Sector Buildings
Funding to connect state schools and public sector buildings comes from a separate government budget and is managed through a different process. Please contact us if you would like to discuss potential connections for public premises. Note, B4SH offers free connections to small primary schools, churches and community assets.
Minimum Service Term
All voucher-supported connections require a minimum 12-month service term.
Help Us Spread the Word
You can help your community get connected faster by encouraging your neighbours and local businesses to register their interest.
The more people who apply for vouchers in your area, the more viable and cost-effective it becomes to extend the network.
If you’d like to help coordinate local interest, please email office@b4sh.org.uk and we’ll put you in touch with others nearby who are also keen to bring full fibre to your area.
Find Out More
For full details about the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme, please visit the official UK Government website:
Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme – GOV.UK
How Does It Work?
BDUK offer a voucher (grant) for each live connection that is made: £1500 for residential and £3500 for a business.
Once a voucher is issued, we can roll out the network to your area, connect you and we can claim the voucher (which is paid to B4SH).
We work with communities to gather interested subscribers and invite the property owners and businesses to apply for vouchers for a connection. BDUK has a registered list of postcodes, so we will need to verify if your property is eligible.
Why Would I Apply For A Voucher?
Applying for a UK Gigabit Voucher through Project Gigabit doesn’t just help you get connected to gigabit broadband, the funding helps your whole community get connected. The more businesses and homes we connect, the more government funding becomes available, and the quicker and better we can serve the whole of our community.
What Do I Get When I Apply For A Voucher?
The voucher is paid to B4SH after your service is live and B4SH benefits in that the funding helps us fund the continued growth of the network into new rural areas.
What’s The Process To Apply For A Voucher?
There are 3 points for contact with anyone requesting a voucher:
- B4SH send you a link – you complete the application details and confirm business or residential service
- BDUK contact you direct and you confirm you want service – you reply within 28 days
- After service is live, BDUK contact you again. You confirm you have live service – you reply within 28 days
What Happens After The Voucher Has Been Issued?
We proceed with installing the fibre to your premises and connect your service. The scheme requires us to complete this process within 12 months of the voucher being issued.
Can Schools Or Public Sector Buildings Get A Grant?
Funding to connect schools (state only) and public sector buildings is from a separate government budget and each grant is made through a different process.
Are There Minimum Service Terms?
UKGV minimum term is 12 months’ service.
Can I do anything to help spread the word about the voucher scheme?
Yes, please contact the office office@b4sh.org.uk. We will try to put you in touch with others who are keen to get the service brought to your area. The more vouchers that we get for your specific area, the quicker we can reach you, so you are helping us and helping others as well as helping yourself!
Where can I find out more about Project Gigabit?
For information on the Gigabit Voucher Scheme this web link will take you to the Government website.
Terms and conditions are at this link