Universal Service Obligation (USO)

The UK-wide USO provides a legal right to request a broadband connection of 10 Mbps download speed and 1 Mbps upload speed, up to a reasonable cost threshold (£3400). More information can be found here.

Voucher schemes

Government funded vouchers are available to support the cost of installing gigabit capable connections in rural areas and to small and medium sized businesses UK-wide. Information about the schemes and eligibility requirements is provided on the DCMS gigabit broadband voucher scheme website.

The Welsh Government also has its own separate voucher schemes.

Community-led schemes

Communities without superfast broadband can also consider developing their own community-led scheme to bring fibre broadband to their area. The UK Government does not provide specific funding for these schemes but has published guidance and case studies that provide more information.

4G home broadband

4G home broadband is a home internet service that uses 4G rather than a fixed line (such as a phone line or fibre optic cable). Conventional broadband service is wired all the way to your router, 4G home broadband is wireless in the same way as getting mobile data on your phone is wireless. Most providers now offer generous or unlimited data allowances. The deciding factor as to whether this will be a good solution for you is mobile coverage. You can use Ofcom's coverage checker to find out which networks cover your area, before shopping around for the best deal.