Broadband targets for upgrade in Grampian region: FOI release

Information requested

Data relating to an update on relevant broadband related targets for upgrade for the Grampian region (AB53).

Response

According to the data we hold at 18 January, 2022, there are 6,372 premises in the AB53 postcode region. The information below provides the current status for these premises as shown on our online address checker:

• There are 4,474 premises that can already access a superfast broadband connection (a download speed of at least 30mbps);
• 1,223 premises are expected to be connected through the R100 North Contract. As build is scheduled to take place after 31 December 2021, these premises are eligible for a Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme (SBVS) interim voucher worth up to £400 (please see Annex A);
• There are 38 premises for which we hold no connectivity data. These premises may be able to access the Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme however a request must be made in writing through the enquiries form on the Scotland superfast website at: https://r100forms.evolutive.co.uk/(S(hxkn2zgytillg0n5qozfd24e))/FormPreApp5.aspx?m=1.
• 628 premises currently do not have a superfast broadband connection and are not within R100 North contract build plans, thus are eligible for SBVS main voucher worth up to £5,000 (please see Annex A);
• 9 premises are already planned to receive a superfast connection by a commercial connection or SBVS main voucher.

Additionally, please see below the expected timescales for the 1,223 premises mentioned above that are in the R100 North Contract build:

• 1 premises has build expected by the end of June 2022;
• 97 premises have build expected in 2024;
• 1,125 premises have build expected in 2025.

Annex A

Interim voucher
Properties where superfast broadband roll-out is planned, but unlikely to be delivered until after 31 December 2021, are eligible for an interim voucher, offering a subsidy worth up to £400 to deliver a connection. The interim portion of the SBVS has been extended by three months until 31st of March 2022, providing more time for people to access a temporary superfast broadband connection while contract build progresses.

The voucher can be used to access a range of technologies as the scheme is technology-neutral, and we expect this level of subsidy will be sufficient to deliver a temporary solution through fixed wireless, mobile or satellite to most premises.

This will not prevent the deployment of the planned R100 intervention for those premises – for example, where fibre to the premises is ultimately scheduled under the R100 programme – but will allow access to an interim superfast service using alternative technologies, while the build on the longer term solution is undertaken.

Main voucher
Properties that are not expected to receive a connection through either the R100 contracts or commercial investment will be eligible for a main voucher, offering a subsidy worth up to £5,000 per property.

The SBVS main voucher is also specifically designed to allow vouchers in a community to be combined to extend available funding. This is intended to be led by suppliers, rather than individual property owners or tenants to ensure co-ordinated, comprehensive areas of superfast coverage where possible. A supplier-led scheme makes securing a connection as simple as possible for individuals.

More information on vouchers and how to engage a supplier to deliver a connection on their behalf through the SBVS, can be found at www.scotlandsuperfast.com.

About FOI
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