Reaching 100% (R100)
The Scottish Government has committed to providing Superfast broadband access to all Scottish homes and businesses by 2028. Superfast broadband guarantees a minimum download speed of 30 Megabits per second (Mbps), although most of the R100 infrastructure will deliver much faster speeds. The R100 programme builds on the success of the DSSB programme and is being delivered mainly through contracts between the Scottish Government and Openreach.
The 100% target will be met as a result of three strands of activity: the R100 contracts with Openreach, the Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme (SBVS), and commercial coverage.
To check if your premises are within scope for the R100 contract or eligible for vouchers use the address checker here.
The Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme (SBVS)
Some households and businesses are eligible for a £5,000 subsidy towards the cost of getting connected to Superfast broadband. You may be eligible if your broadband speed is under 30 Megabits per second and your property is not included in other broadband delivery plans. The SBVS will ensure that every address in Scotland has the ability to access a Superfast broadband connection by 2028, even if it isn’t covered by the other two strands of activity.
How to apply for SBVS
Find out if you may be eligible for a voucher by entering your details into the online address checker here.
If the checker indicates that you are eligible for a voucher through the SBVS, please continue your inquiry with a registered supplier. There is a full list of registered suppliers here. The supplier will then request the voucher on your behalf.
You can also contact the Tay Cities Digital Engagement Team for help and support (see details below).
More information about SBVS is available here.
Project Gigabit
The UK Government has committed to providing Gigabit-capable broadband to 85% of UK homes and businesses by 2025. Gigabit-capable broadband can deliver download speeds as high as 1000 Megabits per second (Mbps). Project Gigabit will be delivered through contracts between the UK government and broadband suppliers. It is still in the procurement stage in Scotland.
The 85% target will be met as a result of three strands of activity: the contracts with suppliers, the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme (GBVS), and commercial coverage.
More information about Project Gigabit is available here.
The Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme (GBVS)
Some households and businesses will be eligible for a £4,500 subsidy towards the cost of getting connected to Gigabit-capable broadband. You may be eligible if your broadband speed is under 100 Megabits per second and your property is not included in other broadband delivery plans. The scheme periodically closes so please get in touch with the Digital Engagement Team to find out if it is currently accepting applications (details below).
More information about GBVS is available here.
Internet speed checker
The government broadband programmes will increase download speeds to at least 30 Mbps. As a guide:
10 Mbps – “Decent” broadband: sufficient for basic internet use like checking emails and browsing the web. If your download speed is below this then you may be eligible for support through the Universal Service Obligation. You can find out more here.
30 Mbps – “Superfast” broadband: Suitable for streaming 4K TV, video calls, online gaming. If several people use it at once it may struggle.
100 Mbps – “Ultrafast” broadband: Allows the whole household to stream 4K TV, music, have video calls with lots of participants, and play online games without affecting the connection.
You can test your download speed using a website like Broadband Speed Checker.
R100 Programme
Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme
Frequently asked questions
1. How will I know when Superfast broadband is available to me?
The R100 address checker will show if Superfast broadband is available at your property. If it hasn’t reached you yet, the checker will show what the plans are for your area. If the checker wrongly states that you have a Superfast connection you can challenge it using this form.
2. How do I sign up for Superfast broadband?
If your property has access to a Superfast service you can either speak to your existing broadband provider or use a comparison website such as those below to compare deals from multiple providers:
3. What if I can’t get fibre broadband?
Sometimes it is not yet possible to build a fibre connection to a property because of time and cost constraints. Luckily, there are several other technology options which can provide a Superfast service. These are fixed wireless, mobile, and satellite broadband. You can find out more about them here. If you would like a more detailed explanation of the pros and cons, or to discuss the best option for your property, you can contact the Digital Engagement Team using the details below.
The UK Government is also investigating a satellite scheme for premises in the most remote rural areas. Further information on this scheme will follow soon.
Contact the broadband team
Tay Cities Digital Engagement Team
The Tay Cities Digital Engagement Team works across Angus, Dundee, Fife, and Perth & Kinross to improve digital connectivity and help residents to navigate the government broadband vouchers schemes.
If you would like any help or support, you can get in touch with the team using the details below.
Email: digitalengagement@taycities.co.uk
Phone: 01738 475000 and ask for Rosie or Keir.
