"Gigabit" Vouchers

A scheme that aims to bring better broadband to rural areas provides gigabit vouchers in remote parts of Cumbria.

07:43 06 July 2020

The Gigabit Broadband Vouchers Scheme, which aims to help bring better broadband to rural areas, now provides vouchers in rural parts of Cumbria. The central government is offering £4million to top up the funding so more people with slow internet speeds will have access to faster and more reliable internet connections. 

 

Eligible residential and commercial properties can take advantage of £3,500 worth of funding to install gigabit-capable connections, which offers download speeds of 1000 megabits per second. Real estate properties that are considered eligible are those that are located in places that are unlikely to benefit from commercial broadband rollout. 

 

John Mallinson, leader of Carlisle City Council, said: "Connectivity is key to the development of our city and the wider region.

 

"I'm delighted to see this scheme is now in place and is being supported by the UK government and local partners. 

 

"We encourage local businesses and residents to get involved and take up the opportunities on offer." 

 

Simon Clarke, minister of state for regional growth and local government said: "This government remains committed to levelling up all parts of the country, especially given the significant challenges communities have faced from the coronavirus pandemic. 

 

"It's great to see another project with forms part of the multi-million pound Borderlands Growth Deal come to fruition." 

 

"The £4million we've made available to the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme project will help people and businesses access faster internet which will in turn allow them to flourish in a modern, global job market and unlock the economic potential of the region."