Superfast and gigabit broadband infrastructure - Open Market Review: request for information

5. Key Eligibility Requirements for Subsidy

The outcome of this OMR and subsequent Public Review will be shown in terms of 'White', 'Grey', 'Black' and 'Under Review' premises. We will only subsidise build to premises which have been designated as White in any future procurement(s).

• White - indicates premises with no gigabit network infrastructure and none is likely to be developed within 3 years. Annex D provides information on the technology 'qualifying' as gigabit capable
• Black - premises with two or more qualifying gigabit infrastructures from different suppliers being available
• Grey premises - a single qualifying gigabit infrastructure from any supplier is available
• Under Review - premises where suppliers have reported planned or existing commercial broadband coverage, but where those plans have been judged through the OMR process as potentially being at risk of not being completed/maintained.

Premises categorised as Under Review will be subject to continued monitoring by means of this rolling OMR and verification of supplier plans within the three-year period by the Scottish Government, similar to the current approach with NGA suppliers. We may request commitment from the supplier that significant progress is made within three years. In the event that these commercial plans fall away, these premises will be mapped as eligible and form part of the proposed intervention area and so eligible for intervention via this aid measure. We request that suppliers inform us regarding all plans, including plans beyond the initial three-year period where available.

The Scottish Government classifies premises on the basis of their existing or planned broadband infrastructure, as set out in Annexes B and C. The OMR and any subsequent Public Review data analysis of supplier's broadband coverage claims will be undertaken at premise level using the relevant UPRNs.

Once the OMR has closed, if additional information or clarifications are required, we will raise clarification questions with suppliers before deciding on a classification.

What are "step change" requirements?

The Scottish Government requires that any public intervention should be able to ensure a 'step change' in broadband availability from that currently available as well as credible planned networks. This is demonstrated by:

• Generally, download speeds must be at least doubled and upload speeds substantially higher as a result of the intervention when compared with existing download and upload speeds
• Significant new investments in the broadband network are undertaken (i.e. investments that must include civil works and installation of new passive elements)
• The new infrastructure brings significant new capabilities to the market in terms of broadband service availability, capacity and speeds and or competition.

The 'step change' in broadband availability shall be compared to that of existing as well as credible planned networks.