The government’s ambition is to deliver nationwide gigabit-capable broadband as soon as possible. 70% of premises can now access the fastest broadband speeds available, and the UK is on track for 85% gigabit coverage by 2025, and then push further towards 100% coverage.
The market continues to make good progress but public funding is required to support the rollout to parts of the country that are not commercially viable. This is why the Budget in 2020 committed £5bn, ensuring that all areas of the UK can benefit equally. The £5bn will be spent through a package of co-ordinated and mutually supportive interventions, collectively known as Project Gigabit.
Hampshire is in Phase 1b of the public procurement element of Project Gigabit. An Open Market Review was conducted last year to determine which premises in Hampshire are likely to be reached by the market. A public procurement exercise is now underway to appoint a supplier to connect uncommercial premises. The estimated contract commencement for Hampshire is April to June 2023 but this is subject to change.
For the latest update on Project Gigabit, go to: Project Gigabit Delivery Plan - summer update 2022 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Types and costs of Broadband packages
Information on the different types of broadband is available at: https://www.hampshiresuperfastbroadband.com/switch-on/types-of-broadban…
Ofcom, the communications regulator, has accredited various price comparison organisations so individuals can check which companies can provide internet services (for specific postcodes) and the relative costs of the various packages on offer.
More details are available at www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/costs-and-billing/price-comparison
Broadband speeds and mobile phone coverage
Local data and maps on broadband connectivity and speeds (based on Ofcom data) are available, with the latest information for East Hampshire at:
https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/constituency-data-broadband-covera…
Residents can check mobile phone coverage and broadband speeds for their postcode using Ofcom’s online mobile and broadband checker service https://checker.ofcom.org.uk/
