In 2017, the Philip Hammond announced more than £1 billion of funding to stimulate further and faster roll-out of full fibre networks and drive the next generation of mobile connectivity.
As part of this, the Governments £190 million Local Full Fibre Networks Challenge Fund was launched to boost commercial investment in networks across the UK.
It is now entering its third round of funding, with £95 million up for grabs. There will be no fixed date for formal submissions – instead, local bodies are invited to submit an informal expression of interest to the programme. Government officials will then assess their project and where appropriate help them shape their approach.
Successful projects in this third round of funding will enable gigabit capable connections to key public buildings and businesses and also encourage broadband providers to create additional connections to local homes and businesses.
Access to fast broadband is important to many rural heritage businesses.