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<p>In March 2021, the Government launched Project Gigabit, a £5 billion programme
to bring lightning-fast, reliable broadband to premises in rural and hard-to-reach
locations across the UK. We have already made over £1.4 billion of funding available
to broadband suppliers to build gigabit-capable infrastructure to premises that will
not be reached by suppliers’ commercial plans alone.</p><p>The Government is also
working to ensure that very hard to reach premises that may be unable to access a
gigabit-capable connection also see an improvement in their connectivity. In April,
the Government announced an £8 million fund to provide capital grants to further promote
new satellite connectivity to up to the most remote 35,000 premises, helping these
premises get improved broadband where required. Further details on the value of the
grants, who will be able to apply for the scheme, and how to apply, will be released
in due course.</p><p>One of the Government’s priorities is to ensure that no one is
left behind in the digital age. This includes people who do not have the access, skills,
or motivation to use the internet. The UK’s Digital Strategy published in 2022 is
clear that HM Government has a “vision to enable everyone, from every industry and
across the UK, to benefit from all that digital innovation can offer.”</p><p>To ensure
that all people can benefit from digital technologies, we are working with providers
to make access affordable for those who need it. We have worked with the industry
to ensure there is a range of high-quality, low cost social tariffs for households
in receipt of Universal Credit and other means tested benefits from as little as £10
per month. These are available in 99% of the UK. In addition in June 2022, leaders
from broadband and mobile operators agreed on a set of industry <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/telecoms-industry-agrees-to-new-cost-of-living-plan-following-government-summit-led-by-digital-secretary-nadine-dorries"
target="_blank">commitments</a> to help people through the global rise in the cost
of living.</p><p>Training is also available for adults wishing to acquire digital
skills. To put essential digital skills for adults on an equal footing alongside English
and Maths, as a third basic skill, the Department for Education introduced a new legal
entitlement to study free high-quality Essential Digital Skills Qualifications (EDSQ);
and from August 2023, new digital Functional Skills Qualifications (FSQ), at Entry
Level 3 and Level 1. We also support the provision of essential digital skills training
in community settings through the Adult Education Budget.</p>
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