All BDUK (Project Gigabit) articles – Page 8
-
PremiumBT “disappointed” as government tweaks voucher scheme
Government kicks off first phase of £1.2bn Project Gigabit. £210m for rural voucher scheme, but fewer communities are eligible; £110m for connecting rural doctors’ surgeries, libraries, and schools. DCMS Delivery Plan suggests considerable uncertainty on most effective way to target government spending.
-
Partnerships & AlliancesOpenreach hits FTTP milestone in Cumbria
Connecting Cumbria programme completes Phase Two, nearing regional ‘superfast’ targets. Phase Three on the table to finish the job. Gigabit-capable coverage lags behind for rural premises.
-
PremiumBT people moves: IT executives reshuffled
IT Managing Director Rachel Higham confirmed her departure, leaving a vacancy for the all-important IT transformation project. Changes to Group’s regional management, including the exit of BT’s England Director and a new Openreach Scotland chair. High-profile alumni take advisory spots at UK regulators.
-
Network & InfraGovernment backpedals on fibre: industry on its own
Improbable goal of universal gigabit coverage abandoned by UK government. £5bn investment plans massively watered down in latest Spending Review. BT critical of retreat. Regulatory environment and sketchy plans for gigabit BDUK could play into Openreach hands.
-
Public AffairsRivals still sore over in building broadband
Compromise yet to be found in fibre/vectoring clash.
-
PremiumConcerns continue over engineer welfare
Unprecedented assaults on Openreach staff have seen the need for new safety training from the operator.
-
PremiumOpenreach wins all three lots of Scottish R100 contract
While superfast service gaps still need to be plugged, Openreach will be bringing full-fibre to remote regions as part of latest Scottish deals. Lack of contract competition underlines need for government-driven action to deliver connectivity to remote areas.
-
PremiumOpenreach extending local reach
Local authority deals quickly pivoting to FTTP as momentum gathers, with BDUK gainshare in support. Challenge of full-scale fibre illustrated by significant cost per home passed for remote fibre installations.