The UK Government now targets “full” 1Gbps internet coverage by 2030
The UK Government now targets “full” 1Gbps internet coverage by 2030
As with any major broadband rollout, rural areas of the UK remain an issue. They remain expensive to connect, and the value offered by giving these areas ultra-fast internet connections is lower than that of larger settlements. With this in mind, the Government has been forced to water down Boris’ “full-fibre” pledge to “Gigabit-capable” connectivity and to “85% gigabit coverage by 2025“.
ISP Preview has noted that the Government has confirmed when the UK’s remaining 15% (well… almost) of broadband users can expect Gigabit coverage. Now, Project Gigabit aims to deliver full 1Gbps coverage to the UK’s hardest to reach premises by 2030, where there is “value for money to do so”.Â
While this is not a promise for 100% fibre coverage by 2030, it is a target that should deliver 1Gbps speeds to 99.7% of premises. This plan will deliver Gigabit broadband to the vast majority of the UK’#s businesses and internet users, which is a good thing for the British economy.Â
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What is Project Gigabit targeting?Â
With Virgin Media and Openreach already rolling out Gigabit technologies to their customers, it is generally assumed that much of the UK’s 85% coverage plans will be achieved by commercial entities with minimal government support. Project Gigabit aims to target communities in rural and semi-rural areas that would not be receiving immediate attention from major providers.Â
Project Gigabit target the last 20% of homes and businesses, and the Government plans to deliver Gb internet to as many of these premises as possible by 2025. Priority will be given to areas that are not covered by 30Mbps “Superfast” broadband coverage, and Gigabit connections will be given to places where it offers “value for money to provide gigabit-capable coverage.Â
Project Gigabit will bring positive change to the UK, providing most rural areas with the same ultra-fast internet connections that many of the UK’s cities are starting to enjoy. Moving forward, the internet will become an increasingly critical factor within the UK’s economy. Providing fast connections to rural areas is one way to ensure that none of the UK gets left behind as the nation evolves.Â
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