UK Government launches £190m FTTP network fund

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has confirmed the launch of a new £190 million fund to promote investment in local FTTP broadband services, as first set out by the Chancellor as part of the Autumn Budget.

The pool of money, dubbed the Local Full Fibre Network (LFFN) Challenge Fund, is hoped to speed up the roll-out of full fibre and FTTP networks at a local level. Though originally planned to contain £200 million, £10 million has already been spent on six pilot schemes around the UK.

Investments from the scheme are available through bids from a range of public sector bodies including local councils, education authorities and NHS trusts.

Projects can be in rural and urban locations in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, with the Government prioritising those that promise “new approaches” that will bring in extra private investment and consist of “sustainable commercial deployments”.

These schemes will centre on key public buildings – such as schools, council premises and hospitals – and turn them into what are known as “anchor tenants” which service providers will then link up to other homes and businesses.

Funding will be deployed in waves, says DCMS, with the scheme open until 31 March 2021. The initial wave is hoped to provide capital for up to 15 such projects with a value of up to £75 million, including some larger applications across multiple authorities, with an extra £25 million available if enough high-scoring applications are made.

Minister for Digital, Matt Hancock said, “World class connectivity is increasingly essential to people at work and at home. It’s vital to ensure the UK’s future competitiveness in the global market and our ability to attract investment.

“Full fibre is fundamental for fashioning a Britain fit for the future.”

Applications are already open and set to close on 26 January 2018, with the first successful projects being alerted in March.