The UK government’s ambitious Project Gigabit, backed by a £5 billion commitment, aims to deliver gigabit-capable broadband to 85% of UK premises by 2025, with a goal of achieving nationwide coverage by 2030. This initiative is a significant step toward ensuring that the UK remains competitive in the digital age, and Shropshire is playing a vital role in this transformation.

In July 2022, Building Digital UK (BDUK) launched two small-scale procurements in mid-west and north Shropshire. We are pleased to share that the contract for (Mid-West Shropshire) has been awarded to Voneus, with the following highlights:

  • 6,089 premises (all within the Shropshire Council area) will benefit from gigabit-capable broadband.
  • A subsidy of £12,030,000 has been allocated, equating to £1,976 per premise.
  • The first homes and businesses are expected to have access to this new network by autumn 2024.

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For North Shropshire the contract has been awarded to Freedom Fibre with the following highlights:

  • 12,277 premises (10,752 in the Shropshire Council area).
  • Subsidy available £24,042,000 (£1,958 per premise).
  • First premises to have network access expected autumn 2024.

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We encourage local businesses and residents to stay informed about this rollout and make the most of the opportunities it brings for enhanced connectivity. For queries or more information, please contact the providers directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Mid-West Shropshire) or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (North Shropshire).

Looking ahead, the focus shifts to south and east Shropshire (including Telford & Wrekin), where a larger cross-regional procurement (Type C) is expected to launch later in 2024. This next phase will cover around 8,000 eligible premises, further expanding Shropshire’s access to gigabit broadband.

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At Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, we are committed to supporting businesses through this digital transformation and encouraging all to embrace the opportunities that enhanced connectivity will bring to our region. Stay tuned for further updates as Project Gigabit continues to roll out across Shropshire.

Source: Shropshire Council