The UK government has announced a major broadband upgrade for rural Derbyshire, which will bring fast and reliable internet to over 17,000 homes and businesses.
The government has signed a contract with Connect Fibre, a network operator that specializes in rural broadband, to deliver gigabit-capable broadband to hard-to-reach areas in Derbyshire as part of Project Gigabit, a £5 billion mission to connect the whole of the UK with ultrafast internet.
Gigabit-capable broadband means that the network can support speeds of up to 1,000 megabits per second, which is much faster than the average broadband speed in the UK. This will enable households to download a high-definition film in under a minute, stream entertainment and shop online at the same time, and access new technologies and opportunities.
The upgrade will benefit over 17,000 premises in Derbyshire, including homes, businesses, schools, and community centres. The project will target the areas that are currently struggling with slow speeds, such as Eckington, Hulland Ward and Shirley.
The work is expected to start by mid next year, and the first premises are expected to be connected in 2025. The government is investing over £33 million in the project, while Connect Fibre is contributing £7.5 million.
Connect Fibre has experience in delivering similar projects in other parts of the UK, such as Northumberland, Cumbria, and Lincolnshire. The company has also committed to developing community initiatives in Derbyshire, such as providing free gigabit connections for community learning and library sites, and offering support for local businesses.
The project is part of the government’s plan to achieve 100% gigabit broadband coverage by 2033, and to reach at least 85% by 2025. The project is also aligned with the government’s net-zero target by 2050, as gigabit broadband can help reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and increase energy efficiency.
The project will also create jobs and economic benefits for Derbyshire, as gigabit broadband can boost productivity, innovation, and competitiveness. According to a recent report by the Centre for Economics and Business Research, gigabit broadband could add £217 billion to the UK economy by 2025, and create 1.2 million jobs.
The project is one of many that are being delivered by Building Digital UK (BDUK), an executive agency of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, which oversees the government’s broadband programs. BDUK has already connected over 5.4 million premises to superfast broadband, and is now focusing on bringing gigabit broadband to the most remote and rural areas of the UK.
Digital Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “Project Gigabit is our national mission to level up rural areas by giving them the fastest internet speeds on the market. Millions more rural homes and businesses will now be lifted out of the digital slow lane thanks to our mammoth £5 billion investment and one the quickest rollouts in Europe. This broadband revolution will create jobs, power up businesses and allow everyone to access vital services at lightning fast speed, helping us build back better from the pandemic.”
Connect Fibre CEO Steve Jagger said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this contract by the government to bring gigabit broadband to rural Derbyshire. We have a proven track record of delivering high-quality and reliable broadband to rural communities, and we are looking forward to working with the local authorities, stakeholders, and residents to make this project a success. We believe that everyone deserves access to the best broadband possible, and we are committed to making a positive difference in Derbyshire and beyond.”