Residents in England and Wales now have access to a new address checker to determine if they qualify for a government-supported broadband upgrade. The initiative aims to enhance internet speeds, particularly in rural regions where connectivity has been limited.
The government’s announcement coincides with the expansion of ‘Project Gigabit’ nationwide, which seeks to introduce high-speed full fibre internet to rural communities in the UK. Launched in 2021, the project is progressively extending its reach to include more eligible locations.
Over one million additional sites are set to benefit from broadband upgrades under Project Gigabit contracts, with more areas anticipated to become eligible in the coming months. Both residential and commercial properties within approved zones are eligible for the scheme.
The online tool, accessible here at no cost, requires users to input their postcode and select their address within the area. By using the tool, individuals can determine if faster internet services are already accessible on their street or when they are expected to be available.
Gigabit-capable broadband provides faster and more reliable internet connectivity, capable of supporting multiple users engaging in activities like downloading, streaming, or online gaming simultaneously. This rollout aims to ensure seamless connectivity for households and businesses, reducing downtime and competition for bandwidth.
To access gigabit broadband, individuals must subscribe to a gigabit service package offered by an internet service provider. For information on service providers in your vicinity, visit the Ofcom website.
UK Telecoms Minister, Liz Lloyd, commented on the initiative, stating, “Many rural communities have long faced challenges accessing basic online services due to slow internet speeds. Now, numerous households and businesses are benefitting from government-funded upgrades daily, ensuring inclusivity for those previously underserved.
“Our new address checker empowers individuals to promptly discover when faster broadband services will be accessible in their area, enabling them to leverage digital opportunities regardless of their location.”
The following is a compilation of towns and villages where Openreach is presently implementing upgrades, either within these locations or their surrounding regions, as part of Project Gigabit. This list excludes areas where other providers are currently executing government-funded expansion.
At Reach and its affiliates , we and our partners utilize data collected via cookies and other identifiers on your device to enhance your site experience, analyze usage patterns, and display personalized advertisements. You can opt out of data sharing/selling anytime by clicking the “Do Not Sell or Share my Data” button at the bottom of the page. Please note that preferences are browser-specific. Your use of our site and services indicates consent to the use of <a data-testid="cipa-cookie-notice-link" href="https://www.mirror.co