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<p>Currently, 97.6% premises across the UK have access to a superfast connection (>=30
Mbps) and 76.4% have gigabit-capable coverage. In Scotland, these figures are 95.7%
and 70.2% for superfast and gigabit-capable respectively. Through Project Gigabit
the Government aims to reach at least 85% gigabit-capable coverage across the UK by
2025 and then to reach near-universal coverage as soon as possible.</p><p>For urban
areas, a key part of the Government’s approach is to promote increased competition
in broadband delivery. We have made it as easy and attractive as possible for firms
to build their networks in the UK, and we now have a thriving market of over 80 providers
investing nearly £35bn rolling out gigabit broadband all over the UK.</p><p>To support
coverage in rural areas, 31 local and regional procurements have now been launched
within England, with 12 of these now in the contract delivery stage.</p><p>Within
Scotland, the Scottish Government undertook a Public Review during March and April
2023 to seek responses from broadband suppliers and other interested parties on current
and planned commercial coverage of gigabit broadband. The Scottish Government has
also undertaken initial market engagement with suppliers on their potential interest
in Project Gigabit contracts in Scotland, prior to procurements commencing later this
year.</p><p>The Scottish Government’s Reaching 100% (R100) project is also providing
gigabit broadband coverage to 115,000 premises that do not have access to superfast
broadband, with £49.5 million funding from the UK government. This project has covered
over 24,000 premises to date.</p><p>Premises in Scotland can also benefit from support
through the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme, which provides up to £4,500 towards
the cost of installing gigabit-capable infrastructure for homes and businesses, while
remaining sub-superfast premises are also eligible for support from the Scottish Government’s
Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme.</p>
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