BT Secures £289m Project Gigabit Contracts to Expand UK Rural Broadband Coverage
british Telecommunications (BT) has secured four additional contracts worth £289 million under the UK government’s Project Gigabit initiative,marking a important expansion of high-speed broadband infrastructure across rural communities. the new contracts will enable BT to deliver gigabit-capable connectivity to approximately 157,000 premises across Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, adn Hampshire.
Contract Details and Coverage Areas
The awarded contracts break down as follows:
| Region | Premises Covered | Contract value |
| Cambridgeshire | 47,000 | £100m |
| Norfolk | 45,000 | £86m |
| Suffolk | 33,000 | £56m |
| Hampshire | 32,000 | £47m |
Project Implementation Timeline
BT’s infrastructure division, Openreach, will begin the network deployment instantly, with completion targets set for 2025. the rollout will utilize advanced fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) technology, capable of delivering speeds up to 1Gbps.
economic and Social Impact
This expansion represents a significant step toward the UK government’s target of achieving 85% gigabit-capable coverage nationwide by 2025. The project is expected to:
• Create numerous local job opportunities
• Boost regional economic growth
• Enable remote working capabilities
• improve access to digital services
• Support rural business advancement
Technical Specifications
The network deployment will feature:
• Full-fiber FTTP technology
• Speeds up to 1Gbps
• Future-proof infrastructure
• Enhanced network reliability
• Reduced maintenance requirements
Government Support and Funding
Thes contracts are part of the government’s £5 billion Project Gigabit program, designed to provide high-speed broadband to areas where commercial deployment would be financially unfeasible. The initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide between urban and rural communities.
Industry Context
BT’s selection for these contracts reinforces its position as a leading telecommunications provider in the UK. The company has already demonstrated success in similar projects, having previously secured contracts worth £200 million under the same initiative.
Future Outlook
The Project Gigabit program continues to progress, with additional contracts expected to be awarded in the coming months. These developments align with the UK’s broader digital infrastructure strategy and commitment to technological advancement in rural communities.
