Project Gigabit

Enabling hard-to-reach communities to access fast, gigabit-capable broadband

The logo for Project Gigabit, an exterior landscape shot of a city at nighttime.

Managed by Building Digital UK (BDUK), an executive agency of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), Project Gigabit aims to benefit mostly rural and remote communities across the UK.

You can find out more on the Government’s Building Digital UK GOV.UK page.

In June 2023 BDUK confirmed £118m investment in Hampshire covering two contracts:

  • £14m for 10,000 properties in the New Forest delivered by Wessex Internet
  • £104m for 75,000 properties in the rest of Hampshire delivered by City Fibre

The Government has decided that this next iteration of its digital connectivity programme, Project Gigabit, is to be run through a direct relationship between BDUK and commercial suppliers, rather than through local authorities.

Hampshire County Council is not directly involved in the future delivery of the contracts and cannot provide details of the planned rollout.

More information, including contract details, can be found in the government’s press release.

You can register with CityFibre or Wessex Internet directly to find out more about Project Gigabit progress in your area.

The County Council recognises the importance of good digital connectivity for its residents and businesses and has sought to influence the development of the Gigabit programme in Hampshire.

BDUK has not yet detailed any potential plans for properties not served by the contracts with CityFibre or Wessex Internet, and the County Council continues to lobby for answers and action.