Project Gigabit network build contract - New Forest
BDUK has awarded broadband provider Wessex Internet a Project Gigabit contract to provide around 10,500 premises across the New Forest and surrounding areas with access to gigabit-capable broadband.
Building Digital UK (BDUK) has carried out significant market engagement in the region to identify potential areas for government intervention to roll out gigabit-capable broadband.
Following a transparent, fair and robust procurement process, BDUK awarded supplier Wessex Internet a nearly £14 million contract to provide around 10,500 hard-to-reach premises in the New Forest with access to gigabit-capable broadband. The contract was signed in March 2023.
BDUK and Hampshire County Council will work collaboratively with the supplier on ensuring that network build commences as quickly as possible, once the supplier has completed their detailed plans for this build. An amount of preparatory work is required to reach premises (for example, digging trenches, laying duct, installing fibre) prior to being able to access a service. This varies depending on geography and supplier. The first premises under this contract are anticipated to have access to gigabit-capable broadband in 2024. Once the gigabit-capable network has been built, residents and businesses will be able to request a connection from a broadband service provider to benefit from the faster speeds.
Below is a map of the areas due to be upgraded in the awarded New Forest contract.
Please note the premises to be reached by the contract is subject to change following detailed planning by the supplier or due to technical reasons during the lifetime of the contract.
Further detail on the premises due to be upgraded as part of this network build contract will be available on this page in due course.
If your premises is not currently within the planned contract build, this may be for one of the following reasons:
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Gigabit-capable infrastructure currently exists in your area
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Broadband network suppliers have indicated to us as part of our Open Market Review and Public Review process that they have plans to reach you as part of their commercial build plans. This may include work planned as part of existing voucher projects through the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme
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Your premises is outside of the scope of this project owing to cost or difficulty in reaching it with gigabit-capable infrastructure. The government is considering additional policy solutions for ‘Very Hard to Reach’ premises
This contract is part of a wider strategy for Project Gigabit, with other local and regional procurements to build gigabit-capable infrastructure planned and underway across the UK. A list of awarded Project Gigabit contracts can be viewed here.
Under Project Gigabit the government is also providing up to £210 million worth of voucher funding as immediate help for people experiencing slow broadband speeds in rural areas. You can find out if you are eligible for a rural voucher on the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme website.
Further information about Project Gigabit can be found on the BDUK website and under Project Gigabit: UK Subsidy advice.
Updates to this page
Last updated 23 November 2023 + show all updates
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Project Gigabit website link updated
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First published.