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As part of Project Gigabit, Building Digital UK (BDUK) has implemented a voucher scheme to help people in rural areas access gigabit capable broadband speed for the first time.
Traditionally, areas in rural Scotland have been left frustrated with little to no access to reliable and cost-effective internet. And in a world where even your kettle can be hooked up to the net, it’s becoming harder to maintain a comfortable lifestyle without broadband you can rely on.
Unfortunately, installing the digital infrastructure to support a future-proofed and reliable broadband network is costly – and until now, has been prohibitively expensive for most broadband suppliers, leaving most of you who live in rural areas in the dark.
Thankfully, that’s all changing.
What is “gigabit capable” broadband?
Gigabit capable broadband is ultrafast and reliable broadband using a full-fibre connection (also known as FTTP or FTTH connections). This type of broadband connectivity supports symmetrical speeds – this means you can expect the same upload and download speeds, unlike traditional broadband where you’ll see much slower upload speeds.
With full-fibre broadband, fibre optic cables travel all the way from the exchange directly to your home. Most existing BT cables will use fibre up to the cabinet, but the remaining cable is old-fashioned copper; this is where speeds drastically decrease.
Full-fibre allows for speeds of over a gigabit per second – over 20 times faster than standard fibre, in most cases!
Why do you need ultrafast broadband?
We’ve all experienced the frustration that comes with slow internet speed, buffering videos and lag. The average UK household uses over twenty internet-based devices, including laptops, games consoles, smart TVs and mobile phones. With all these devices pulling internet data around the clock, you need a high speed broadband connection that can withstand such heavy-duty use.
As we move into more impressive technology such as 8K televisions and internet-heavy gaming demanding higher quality connectivity, ultrafast broadband will be the only way to ensure all devices are connected to an acceptable quality and speed.
Copper cable switch-off
Copper cable won’t be around forever. In fact, it’s been confirmed that all copper cable services will be switched off by December 2025 (much like when analogue TV was switched off a few years ago).
There’s never been a better time to get full-fibre broadband in your home.
How does the gigabit voucher scheme work?
The scheme’s been set up to provide eligible people with the funding needed to install full-fibre broadband in their homes – effectively allowing customers to get connected without having to pay an installation fee and receive a much-needed gigabit broadband upgrade.
Interested in getting gigabit speeds with ultrafast broadband and taking advantage of the voucher scheme? We’ve made the process as easy as possible:
First, we’ll check if you’re eligible for a voucher. If you are, you’ll be asked if you’re happy to take advantage of the free installation as part of the sign-up process. We make the application on your behalf, all you have to do is:
- Confirm you’re happy for us to apply for you
- Provide us with your details so we can sign you up for the voucher
- Confirm if you’re a business or not, and the size of business if you are
- Have signed up for a gigabit connection with ourselves
Once BDUK has received your application, they’ll contact you directly via email to confirm you’re happy to receive the voucher. All you have to do is confirm as soon as possible (you have up to 28 days before the request expired).
We’ll let BDUK know when you’ve been connected, and they’ll send another email to make sure you’re happy you’re receiving the service from us. You need to reply to this email to confirm and activate the voucher, meaning we can fully refund any installation costs to your account.
Click here to find out more about the BDUK voucher scheme.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s super simple – we do it all for you!
All we’ll need from you is:
- Your confirmation that you’re happy for us to apply on your behalf
- The details you’re using to sign up for broadband
- Whether or not you’re a business (and if you are, confirmation of whether you’re a small or medium-sized enterprise)
- Have signed up for a gigabit connection with ourselves
Once your application is received, you’ll receive an email from BDUK asking you to verify your voucher application. We need this to go ahead with your installation, and you only have 28 days before this expires, so get in touch if you haven’t received this shortly after you order.
Once you’re connected to our full-fibre broadband, you’ll receive a second email from BDUK to confirm you’ve been connected and you’re happy with the service. You need to verify this email, and this will activate your voucher for free installation.
If you want to know more about the BDUK voucher scheme, click here.
Simply visit our availability checker at the top of the page.
Search for your address and follow the steps to place your order online. Alternatively, you can call one of our friendly team on 0330 236 9900 who’ll be happy to place your order for you.
Everything you need to know about Project Gigabit is listed here.
If you decide to change your mind and not proceed with your chosen provider, you want to change provider or you don’t wish to proceed at all, then all you need to do is let us and BDUK know as soon as you can.
You can find BDUK’s information here.
We’re helping to improve digital connectivity by bringing ultrafast full fibre broadband and gigabit broadband speeds to communities in semi-rural and rural Scotland. Since 2015 we’ve been building our own fibre network, bringing new digital infrastructure to the Lothians, Perthshire, Stirlingshire, Fife and the Highlands.
