Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme
How the UK government helps fund full-fibre broadband installations in harder-to-reach communities — and how Cambridge Fibre puts vouchers to work for our customers.
What is the scheme, and how is it funded?
The Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme is a government-funded programme designed to speed up the rollout of gigabit-capable networks in the UK. It does that by providing micro-grants — vouchers — that subsidise the cost of new connections in places where commercial build alone would otherwise be slow or uneconomic.
The vouchers are paid directly by the government to the network supplier once a working connection has been delivered, so there is no money to handle yourself. Cambridge Fibre is a registered voucher supplier and applies on your behalf as part of your order.
Vouchers are allocated to harder-to-reach addresses — typically rural, semi-rural and edge-of-town locations — where current broadband speeds fall short of modern needs and no government-funded alternative is already in place.
Vouchers can only be used to fund the actual cost of a new gigabit-capable connection. They cannot be used to cover VAT for SME claimants, and a voucher cannot be combined with a connection that has already been built.
Voucher amounts at a glance
Who qualifies for a voucher?
Homes and businesses can use vouchers towards the cost of a new gigabit-capable connection when they take part in a group project. To qualify, an address typically needs to meet three tests:
Below 100 Mbps
Current broadband speeds at the property are below 100 Mbps.
No commercial plan
A gigabit-capable network is unlikely to be built commercially in the near future.
No existing scheme
There is no other government-funded build already planned or in progress at the address.
For home customers
Residents benefit from vouchers as part of a registered project. Cambridge Fibre has done most of the legwork: we have set up projects in a number of villages around Cambridge that you can simply join when you order.
If you are outside one of our currently planned areas we may still be able to connect you, especially if you can team up with neighbours and local businesses to form a viable project.
To use a voucher as a home customer, you must be part of a project. Within a project, residential and business voucher values can be pooled together to subsidise the cost of installing the connection — that is what makes harder-to-reach builds possible at all.
When you place an order with us, we apply for the voucher on your behalf. If your application is unsuccessful, you can cancel without penalty.
For businesses and sole traders
Full-fibre networks are the future, and gigabit-ready connectivity is now a baseline requirement for most businesses. Eligible SMEs may receive a voucher worth up to £3,500 towards a new gigabit-capable business connection.
You can apply for vouchers at multiple business locations, and you can boost a project's viability by combining your voucher with those of nearby businesses and residents.
SME eligibility criteria
Employs fewer than 249 people.
Annual turnover under £50m, or balance sheet under £43m.
Has received less than €200,000 in public grants in the last three years (de minimis aid).
Has no parent company or linked enterprise that fails the criteria above.
Will be ordering at least twice the speed of the current connection, of at least 100 Mbps and capable of 1 Gbps.
Complies with applicable UK and EU subsidy-control rules. Some sectors are excluded; local authority approval may be required.
How the process works
1. Sign up
You place an order with Cambridge Fibre. We check how close our network is — or will be in the next twelve months — to your address.
3. We get to work
We schedule and deliver your connection. We will keep you posted on progress and your installation appointment.
5. Government check
The government emails you to confirm that your service is live and working. A short reply is all that is needed.
2. Voucher request
We request a voucher from the government on your behalf. They check the request and send a confirmation email to you.
4. You're connected
We notify the government once your installation is complete and your service is live.
6. Spot checks
The government may carry out spot checks before paying the voucher, so they could occasionally contact you for verification.
Ready to apply?
Start your order online. We will check your address, register your voucher application, and confirm whether your project is eligible — all without any payment up front.