Next generation broadband

Perth and Kinross Council is supporting two national programmes to roll out high-speed broadband in Scotland. We have no influence over the delivery of the programmes which are managed by the Scottish and UK Governments.

Reaching 100% (R100) programme

The Scottish Government's R100 programme aims to roll out superfast speeds to all homes and businesses in Scotland by the end of 2028. Superfast broadband guarantees a minimum download speed of 30 megabits per second (Mbps), and most of the infrastructure will provide even faster speeds. This is being delivered through three channels:

1. If your property is already included in commercial plans, then the government does not need to subsidise your connection. All you need to do is wait for the build to be completed and then take out a superfast service.

2. The Scottish Government has agreed contracts with Openreach to subsidise high-speed connections in areas which would otherwise be excluded. If this applies to your property, all you need to do is wait for the R100 team to deliver your upgraded connection and then take out a superfast service.

3. The Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme (SBVS) offers a grant of £5,000 towards the cost of a superfast connection. This covers any properties with a download speed below 30 Mbps which are not included in either of the two channels above. Residents and businesses at voucher eligible properties need to work directly with a broadband provider to claim their voucher and deliver the superfast service. It is required that they then sign up for service from that provider for at least 12 months. The voucher cannot be used to install fibre, but can be used to install fixed wireless, mobile, and satellite connections. Registered providers can be found on the R100 website.

More information can be found on the R100 website. A postcode checker can also be found here, enabling you to see when high speed broadband may be arriving to your area. The checker will also tell you if you need to claim a voucher to make this happen.

If you would like any help or advice, please get in touch with Alan Dobson at adobson@pkc.gov.uk.

Project Gigabit

Project Gigabit is a UK government programme which aims to deliver nationwide Gigabit-capable broadband by 2030. Gigabit broadband guarantees a minimum download speed of 100 Megabits per second, and most of the infrastructure will deliver even faster speeds. This will be delivered through contracts between the UK government and broadband suppliers. These are still being procured by the Scottish Government.

The Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme will be available to residents and businesses at properties with a download speed below 100 Mbps which are not included in the main programme. Project Gigabit have not yet defined which properties will be voucher eligible. Once available, these vouchers will need to be claimed as part of a group project.

If you would like any help or advice, please get in touch with Alan Dobson at adobson@pkc.gov.uk.