Alternative network operator and UK ISP Quickline has today issued another small progress update on their £60m state aid supported gigabit broadband roll-out contract for North and West Yorkshire (Lot 8 – here), which ultimately aims to reach 28,000 additional premises in hard-to-reach rural areas.
Back in September 2024 we reported that the first 4,500 premises under this contract (note: 1,725 were via state aid, with the rest from complementary commercial build), including in areas such as Escrick, Crofton, Elvington, Sutton upon Derwent and Wheldrake, had been reached by the new FTTP network (here).
By comparison, today’s update reveals that the operator has since added c. 600 premises in villages like Streethouse, New Sharlston, Emley and Upper Cumberworth – a further 1,100 premises have also gained access via Quickline’s commercial build (58,000 premises in the area will ultimately be reached via their complementary commercial builds).
Julian Chalk, Head of Network Engagement and Enablement at Quickline, said:
“We’re proud to be delivering gigabit capable broadband to rural communities in West Yorkshire as part of the government’s Project Gigabit programme. Our goal is to make an impact quickly, connect these areas as soon as possible and make a meaningful impact to those living and working there.
Reliable broadband is essential and we’re committed to helping our customers to thrive in the digital world.”
Project Gigabit aims to help extend 1Gbps (download) capable networks to reach “nationwide” coverage (c. 99%) by 2030 (currently over 85%). Commercial investment has already delivered more than 80% of this, which leaves the government’s scheme to focus on tackling the final 20% (mostly rural and some suburban areas), where the private sector alone often fails. The project is technology neutral, but Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) networks are strongly favoured.