A new report from Building Digital UK (BDUK) presents findings from the final phase of its legacy voucher schemes, which concluded in 2021. The evaluation uses longer-term data to assess changes in connectivity and broader economic, social, and environmental outcomes.
The report focuses on two schemes: the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme (GBVS), active from November 2017 to May 2020, which aimed to connect small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and stimulate the full-fibre broadband market. The second scheme, the Rural Gigabit Connectivity (RGC) voucher scheme, ran from May 2019 to March 2021, adapting the voucher approach specifically for rural areas.
The evaluation includes an updated assessment of value for money and measures the effects of these vouchers on improving connectivity, supporting business and local economic growth, delivering social and environmental benefits, and stimulating competition within the broadband market.