UK Gigabit Programme: Essex Public Review

Summary

Following an Open Market Review, Building Digital UK is seeking views from the public and other stakeholders with regard to existing or planned commercial gigabit capable broadband in the area of Essex.

This consultation opens on 18 March and closes on 3 May 2021.

Background

The government’s ambition is to deliver nationwide gigabit-capable broadband as soon as possible. The market is making great progress in delivering this ambition but there is a need for government intervention in the parts of the country that are not commercially viable. This is why the Budget in 2020 committed £5 billionn for the hardest to reach parts of the country, ensuring that all areas of the UK can benefit equally.

The £5 billion will be spent through a package of co-ordinated and mutually supportive interventions, collectively known as the UK Gigabit Programme. As part of this, Building Digital UK is developing a procurement approach for funding contracts to suppliers delivering gigabit-capable wholesale infrastructure.

Gigabit-capable broadband is important for all communities providing faster, more reliable connectivity for homes and businesses everywhere.

Public Review Description

BDUK and Essex County Council request information and supporting evidence from suppliers - in relation to the presence of gigabit-capable broadband infrastructure within the project area. We wish to hear from all relevant stakeholders - including the public, businesses, internet service providers and broadband infrastructure operators - particularly in relation to the proposed mapped eligible areas

How to respond

Please note that this consultation is being held by Essex County Council.

If you are a broadband infrastructure operator please e-mail Essex County Council at digital@essex.gov.uk to register your intention to submit a response. Please confirm in your submission the following:

• Your organisation’s name (if applicable)
• Your organisation’s or residential address (if applicable)
• Your name
• Position
• Contact telephone number
• Email Address

If you are a member of the public or a business, you can identify if you’re in an operator’s plans using the Gigabit-Capable Map and respond to this consultation using the Broadband Survey.