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In the UK’s broadband landscape, the term “gigabit” is not just marketing hype, it is central to the national strategy for full fibre internet. The Government’s Project Gigabit targets the rollout of gigabit-capable broadband connections across hard-to-reach areas, supporting homes, businesses and rural communities that might otherwise miss out.

As a provider specialising in full fibre connectivity, Fusion Fibre Group is well-positioned to help customers understand what Project Gigabit means for availability, pricing and the future of their broadband. In this guide, we will cover what it is, how it works, and what it means for broadband going forward.

What Is Project Gigabit and Why Does It Matter?

Project Gigabit is a UK Government programme, delivered via Building Digital UK (BDUK), aimed at delivering gigabit-capable broadband (i.e., at least 1 Gbps download) to homes and businesses, especially in areas unlikely to be reached commercially.

The main reasons this matters:

- It helps future-proof connectivity infrastructure, ensuring connections can handle growing demand for streaming, remote work, smart devices and more.

- It bridges the digital divide, bringing high-speed broadband to rural or underserved areas.

The Government expects 99% of premises to have access to a gigabit-capable connection by 2032.

How Project Gigabit Works: Funding, Coverage & Contracts

Funding & Subsidies

Project Gigabit uses a mix of commercial investment and public subsidy to reach areas where build costs are high. According to the House of Commons Library, the programme is backed by £5 billion in government funding.

There is also a Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme to help eligible homes and businesses in coverage-gap areas access gigabit-capable broadband.

Procurement & Contract Model

Providers bid for contracts to build in defined geographic areas. You can find a list of Project Gigabit Contracts from 2024 on ThinkBroadband.

Coverage Status

According to the latest 2025 update from BDUK, significant progress has been made under Project Gigabit, with more than 2 million premises now connected to gigabit-capable broadband networks since the programme began. The Government’s goal is to boost gigabit availability from 70% of UK premises to 85% by the end of 2025, paving the way for nationwide full-fibre coverage by 2032.

Despite these advances, rollout across rural and hard-to-reach communities remains challenging. Factors such as complex terrain, dispersed housing, and distance from urban hubs continue to make broadband infrastructure deployment more time-consuming and costly in some areas. However, ongoing investment and collaboration between government and network providers aim to overcome these barriers and deliver ultrafast connectivity to every part of the UK.

What “Gigabit-Capable” Means

In this context, “gigabit-capable” refers to wired connections (not wireless) able to deliver at least 1 Gbps (1000 Mbps) download speeds. Technologies include FTTP (fibre to the premises) and other fibre-based architectures.

Where Coverage Stands Today & What It Means for You

While rollout continues across the UK, here is what you should know:

- Many areas already have full fibre or gigabit-capable broadband available.

- Rural and hard-to-reach areas are the focus of Project Gigabit, so if you live in such an area, you may see the build-out or voucher eligibility first.

What this means for you:

- If you are in an area labelled under Project Gigabit, you may benefit from earlier access, special deals, or voucher support.

- If not yet covered, use the postcode checker frequently. When the build comes through, you could be ready to switch.

- For property value or long-term planning, having access to gigabit-capable broadband is becoming a selling point. Read more in our guide: How Broadband Affects Your Property Value.

How to Check if Your Home Can Benefit

- Use Fusion Fibre Group’s Full Fibre Availability Checker to see whether full fibre is live in your area or planned for rollout soon.

- Check build status and contract awards in your region through the Government’s official Project Gigabit updates.

- If your postcode is eligible for Project Gigabit vouchers, consider applying for support to help fund your upgrade to gigabit-capable broadband.

- Think about how better broadband could benefit your home, from future-proofing and property value to improving remote work and streaming experiences.

Why This Matters for You and the Future

For consumers, businesses and communities, Project Gigabit is a game-changer. It’s not just about faster downloads, it’s about:

- Reliability: fewer slowdowns during peak times, better performance for multiple users/devices.

- Opportunity: remote work, business growth, streaming, education are all better supported with full fibre.

- Property value impact: homes with full-fibre or gigabit-capable broadband are increasingly seen as better investments.

- Inclusivity: reducing the divide between urban and rural connectivity.

At Fusion Fibre Group, we are working to align our services with this national initiative, making sure our customers are positioned to benefit.

How Fusion Fibre Group Fits In

As a full fibre provider aligned with national programmes, Fusion Fibre Group offers plans designed to deliver on the promise of gigabit-capable broadband. Whether your area is already covered or entering Project Gigabit rollout, we can help you:

- Check availability quickly

- Understand your upgrade options

- Select the right plan and future-proof your connection

Use our Broadband Usage Calculator to see how much speed you need and then check if your home is ready for full fibre broadband with our Full Fibre Availability Checker.

Frequently Asked Questions About Project Gigabit

Still have questions about Project Gigabit and what it means for broadband in the UK? We have answered some of the most common questions people ask about the government’s gigabit-capable broadband rollout — including who is eligible, how funding works, when coverage will reach your area, and how Fusion Fibre Group can help you get connected.

What is Project Gigabit?

Project Gigabit is a UK Government initiative led by Building Digital UK (BDUK) to deliver gigabit-capable broadband to homes and businesses nationwide. The programme focuses on connecting rural and hard-to-reach areas that are unlikely to receive upgrades through commercial rollout alone. Find the latest updates on the UK Government website: Project Gigabit.

Who is eligible for Project Gigabit funding or vouchers?

Homes and businesses located in areas that are not yet served by gigabit-capable broadband, and are not planned to be by commercial providers, may be eligible for Project Gigabit vouchers. These help cover installation costs for full fibre connections. Eligibility varies by postcode and can be checked via official government listings or your broadband provider.

When will Project Gigabit be completed?

The UK Government aims to achieve 85% gigabit-capable coverage by 2025 and nationwide coverage by 2032. Rollout is being delivered in phases, with contracts awarded regionally to network providers through competitive tenders.

How fast is “gigabit-capable” broadband?

Gigabit-capable broadband can deliver download speeds of 1 Gbps (1,000 Mbps) or higher. This allows users to stream, game and work from home simultaneously without lag or buffering — making it ideal for modern digital households.

How do I know if my property is covered by Project Gigabit?

You can check if your property is within a Project Gigabit-funded area or already has gigabit-capable broadband by using Fusion Fibre Group’s Full Fibre Availability Checker. The checker shows current coverage and future rollout plans in your area.

Is Project Gigabit only for rural communities?

No. While the programme prioritises rural and hard-to-reach locations, some suburban and smaller urban areas are also included if they lack commercial full-fibre availability. The goal is to ensure no region is left behind in the UK’s digital transformation.

Does Project Gigabit guarantee gigabit speeds for everyone?

Not immediately. The project ensures the infrastructure is capable of gigabit speeds, but actual performance depends on your broadband provider, chosen plan and equipment. Once connected, you can choose a package that suits your needs.

How does Project Gigabit affect property value?

Homes with full fibre or gigabit-capable broadband are often seen as more attractive to buyers and renters. As Project Gigabit expands coverage, more properties gain access to high-speed, future-proof connections, which can positively influence market value. Find out more in our blog: How Broadband Affects Your Property Value.

What role does Fusion Fibre Group play in Project Gigabit?

Fusion Fibre Group works alongside trusted network partners and the wider UK fibre rollout to help customers access ultrafast full fibre broadband. Whether your area is part of Project Gigabit or covered through our own network partners, we are here to help you get connected.

How can I prepare for gigabit broadband?

You can prepare by checking availability through our Full Fibre Availability Checker and ensuring your home setup, including router and cabling, is ready for gigabit speeds. When your area is covered, switching to a full-fibre plan will be quick and straightforward.

Ready to see what full fibre broadband is available in your area?

Pop your postcode into our Full Fibre Availability Checker to get started.