Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme Unveiled
Homes and businesses in Scotland could benefit from superfast broadband subsidies worth up to £5,000.
A new voucher scheme is set to be launched next month as the Scottish Government presses on with its Reaching 100% (R100) target of ensuring faster broadband for every home and business north of the border by the end of 2021.
What is the Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme?
From September 2020, the Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme will provide funding of up to £5,000 to residential and business premises not in scope of either R100 contracts or planned commercial investment to help them access broadband speeds of at least 30 megabits per second (Mbps).
Interim connection vouchers of up to £400 will also be issued to residential premises where superfast broadband is planned, but unlikely to be available until after the end of of 2021. An additional £250 subsidy will be made available for those in the most difficult-to-reach areas.
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Announcing the Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme, Connectivity Minister, Paul Wheelhouse, said: “Digital Connectivity has played a vital role in supporting our efforts to keep people safe during the Covid-19 lockdown and will be pivotal in plans for our strategic economic recovery from the pandemic.
“Work is underway to build the infrastructure which will underpin R100, backed by Scottish Government funding of £579M. This, together with commercially-driven work, will ensure the vast majority of homes and businesses across the country can access superfast broadband access by the end of 2021.
"But Scotland has some of the most challenging locations anywhere in Europe for providing telecoms infrastructure and I have always been clear that additional measures may still be needed to provide superfast access to some of the hardest-to-reach areas.
"That is why we have been developing plans in parallel with the main infrastructure investment to ensure our 100% commitment is met, and the Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme offering a level of funding far exceeding that of any other broadband voucher scheme currently in operation within the UK, will ensure that everyone can access and benefit from this world-leading digital capability.”
Do I qualify for the Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme?
To find out if you’re eligible for the Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme, you should visit the Digital Scotland postcode checker and confirm:
- Whether or not you already have the infrastructure installed for superfast broadband.
- Whether or not you will receive a superfast connection through existing R100 contracts.
- Whether or not you will receive a superfast connection from a commercial supplier.
- Which subsidy you think you may be eligible for through the Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme.
How do I apply?
To apply for the Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme, you should complete Digital Scotland’s online application form. From September 2020 you will be able to access a list of participating superfast broadband providers in your area. Once that supplier has confirmed that you are eligible for the scheme, they will request the voucher for you.
Even if you don’t qualify for the Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme, you could still save big on your superfast connection. Our expert advisors can find you the best broadband deal in your area in just a matter of minutes. Give us a call now on 01704 468 005 or get a free callback and start saving today.