SMBs: get your free broadband upgrade now before it’s too late
Minister Ed Vaizey warns SMBs to grab a broadband upgrade grant now before the money runs out
The government has warned SMBs not to dawdle in applying for grants to fund broadband upgrades, with the cash on offer set to run out soon.
Last year, the government unveiled £40 million in broadband “vouchers” worth up to £3,000 each for small businesses
to upgrade their broadband.
So far, 40,000 SMBs have taken digital economy minister Ed Vaizey up on the offer, with 1,000 applications coming in each week, suggesting most businesses aren’t getting the full amount.
Vaizey used the milestone to warn businesses to apply for the grant as quickly as possible, as they’re doled out on a “first come, first served” basis.
“More than 40,000 businesses have already taken up our offer which is aimed at boosting both their broadband speeds as well as their bottom line,” Vaizey said. “Businesses need to act now to ensure they don’t miss out on this fantastic offer and I’m urging all eligible businesses to apply now before it’s too late.”
Businesses can apply for the broadband vouchers here, which can only be used with one of more than 800 approved suppliers.
So far, more than a quarter of the vouchers have gone to London SMBs, with 11,664 doled out across the capital – hopefully helping the businesses that have been left off the fibre upgrade because of the city’s complicated infrastructure. A report last year revealed only 6% of SMBs have access to superfast broadband.
The North West has had 6,344 vouchers issued, follwed by Yorks and Humber with 5,734. The rest of the areas, including Scotland and Wales, all have seen around 2,000 or fewer grants awarded.