Broadband coverage - Open Market Review update

Published Wednesday, 17th November 2021

The Government wants to have nationwide gigabit-capable broadband as soon as possible.

While great progress is being made, the Government is aware it needs to help in the parts of the country that are not commercially viable. 

£5bn was committed in the 2020 budget to ensure that all areas of the UK can benefit equally. The funding will be spent through a range of projects known as the UK Gigabit Programme. As part of this, Building Digital UK (BDUK) will fund contracts for suppliers to deliver gigabit-capable wholesale infrastructure to the hardest to reach areas.

BDUK have now considered all comments submitted as part of the Open Market Review and Public Review process. A Public Review Closure Note is now available, which details information on the outcome and includes a postcode-level map showing eligible premises.

BDUK are expected to release a procurement in January 2022, where suppliers will be invited to bid for the opportunity to deliver gigabit-capable broadband coverage to eligible premises.