Project Gigabit

The rollout of broadband in Suffolk is now being managed at a national level by the central government department Building Digital UK (BDUK) under their Project Gigabit programme.

Project Gigabit is a £5 billion government infrastructure project aimed at delivering fast and reliable gigabit-capable broadband to homes and businesses in the hardest-to-reach parts of the UK.

In 2023, BDUK awarded the contract for Suffolk to CityFibre. Suffolk County Council's role in this project is focused on supporting CityFibre by facilitating access and highway consents.

Where can I find out more information?

There is more information available on the CityFibre Project Gigabit website about their coverage, planned coverage and an availability checker for Suffolk postcodes where residents can sign-up for updates in their area.

How is Suffolk benefiting?

On 1 July 2023, it was announced that the contract for Suffolk, representing a £100 million investment in Suffolk, has been awarded by BDUK to CityFibre to provide new high speed Gigabit broadband capabilities.

This is great news for Suffolk business and residents. For further details, please read the Government press release.

Commonly asked questions about this project:

Is this project managed by Suffolk County Council?

No – this project is managed by BDUK who in turn have contracted CityFibre to do the actual work of installing the cabling. Suffolk County Council is being consulted on the progress of this project and is working with BDUK to help make it a success.

Will this project result in any road closures or highways disruption in my area?

Any work which involves the installation of new hardware or cabling may result in some limited disruption to roads and highways. BDUK and CityFibre are committed to keeping disruption to a minimum, but in order to get the benefits of faster broadband, there may be some short-term disruption. Find out more about road closures or diversions where you live.

What sort of new infrastructure can we expect to see in the areas being connected?

Cabling is routed through cabinets which house the technology necessary to connect to the wider network, from there cables run underground to premises and businesses. BDUK and CityFibre are aware of our commitment to protect the Suffolk Environment.