Gigabit Britain deadline pushed back

Uncertainty rises over how and when to reach those without fibre

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The government has quietly pushed back the target to reach the whole of the UK with gigabit broadband, creating uncertainty for those not yet reached by full-fibre networks.

The government’s Project Gigabit previously aimed to ensure almost everyone would have access to gigabit broadband by 2030. The recent spending review saw that target moved to 2032, although the £1.9 billion of funding remains, just spread over a longer timeframe.

The spending review document (tinyurl.com/371spending) says the money will be used to connect “more homes and businesses to gigabit-capable broadband to reach 99% of UK premises by 2032” as well as “working with industry to deliver the Shared Rural Network so the most remote areas have 4G coverage”.

A government spokesperson told PC Pro: “Fast, reliable internet is essential to boosting the economy in every part of the UK, which is why achieving the target of 99% gigabit coverage across the country remains a priority.

“The timeline has been adjusted to 2032 as we stabilise the challenging fiscal and economic situation we've inherited. We maintain a strong partnership with industry to deliver the fibre rollout as well as a competitive regulatory environment that stimulates the private investment needed to connect communities across Britain.”

Inevitable delay

Paddy Paddison, chair of the Independent Network Cooperative Association (INCA), which represents many of the smaller, “altnet” fibre providers, said the news is “not as bad as it could have been”.

“It’s great that they kept the focus on completing it,” he said. “The concern was obviously that they would try and claw back money from it, and they haven’t. So that commitment to 99% still stands.”

Industry watcher Andrew Ferguson thinks the government's announcement is not so much a spending cut, more of a reflection of how much work there is still to do to reach the remaining areas.