Project Gigabit: 250,000 Rural Premises Connected as UK Broadband Rollout Accelerates
The government's flagship £5 billion Project Gigabit scheme has connected 250,000 rural premises to gigabit-capable broadband under its subsidised contracts, with the Building Digital UK agency confirming the milestone in its April 2026 progress update.
The rollout, which targets hard-to-reach areas that are not commercially viable for private investment, is on track to cover over one million premises under its current contracts, with a national target of approximately 99% gigabit coverage by 2032.
Background
Project Gigabit was launched to address the digital divide between urban and rural areas of the UK. While commercial providers have rapidly expanded gigabit-capable networks in towns and cities, many rural communities have been left behind. The government's subsidised scheme aims to ensure that even the most remote properties can access fast, reliable broadband.
Key Developments
The April 2026 progress report from Building Digital UK (BDUK) showed that 250,000 contracted premises had been covered so far, out of a total planned 1,047,200 under the scheme's subsidised contracts. Ofcom's own forecasting suggests that combined commercial and subsidised rollouts could lead to 97% of UK premises having access to gigabit-speed networks by January 2028 — four years ahead of the government's original target.
Separately, the One Touch Switching Company (TOTSCo) confirmed it is extending its simplified broadband switching system to cover business connections, following the successful launch of the residential switching service in September 2024. TOTSCo said it is implementing new monitoring activities to improve the success rate of switches, including publishing more detailed data and engaging directly with providers to resolve technical issues.
In Shropshire, local reports highlighted that the county is leading rural UK in superfast broadband coverage, with Project Gigabit contracts helping to connect farms and villages that had previously relied on slow copper connections.
Why It Matters
Fast, reliable broadband is increasingly essential for remote working, education, and access to public services. Connecting rural communities to gigabit-capable networks is vital for levelling up economic opportunities across the UK and reducing the digital divide.
What's Next
BDUK is expected to announce new contract awards in the coming months, with several regions still awaiting the start of their subsidised rollouts. The government has pledged to accelerate delivery following criticism that the scheme has been slower than originally planned. Full details at ISPreview UK.
