With the UK’s growing reliance on digital infrastructure, fast and reliable internet is now essential for businesses of all sizes. But for many SMEs, startups, and rural organisations, the cost of upgrading to gigabit-speed connectivity can be a major barrier.
The good news? In 2025, government connectivity grants and voucher schemes will still be available, helping UK businesses access full fibre and leased line services at reduced or even zero upfront cost.
In this guide, we cover:
- What connectivity grants and vouchers are available in 2025
- Who qualifies and how to apply
- What types of internet connections are eligible
- Key providers supporting grant-funded installs
- Tips to maximise your chances of approval
💡 What Are UK Connectivity Grants?
Connectivity grants are government-funded schemes that help businesses upgrade to faster internet. These grants are primarily delivered via:
- The Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme (GBVS)
- Local authority-backed programmes
- Regional digital infrastructure projects
They are designed to:
- Accelerate the UK’s full-fibre rollout
- Support rural and underserved areas
- Help SMEs adopt digital tools and cloud services
- Encourage uptake of leased lines and gigabit connections
✅ What’s Available in 2025?
Scheme | Description | Value | Eligible Uses |
National grant for gigabit-capable connectivity | Up to £2,500 (businesses) | Fibre upgrades, leased lines | |
Targeted support for rural communities | Variable (can exceed £3,500) | Group or hub connections | |
Regional council-led initiatives | Varies | SME and public site upgrades | |
Separate funding in Wales, Scotland, NI | Up to £3,000+ | Depending on region |
📌 The GBVS is the most commonly used grant for leased line installations across the UK.
🧾 How Much Can You Claim?
- Small & Medium Businesses can typically receive up to £2,500 per premises under the GBVS
- Rural groups or hubs may receive more via joint applications
- Installation costs are the primary use – covering fibre digs, build costs, and setup
- Ongoing monthly rental costs are not covered
👨💼 Who Qualifies for a Connectivity Grant?
To be eligible for the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme, your business must:
✅ Be based in the UK
✅ Employ fewer than 250 people
✅ Have an annual turnover of under €50 million
✅ Have not previously received a similar grant at the same premises
✅ Require an upgrade to gigabit-capable broadband (usually 100Mbps+)
For rural-focused schemes, you’ll typically also need to:
✅ Be in a qualifying rural postcode
✅ Lack access to existing gigabit-speed infrastructure
✅ Use an approved provider from the government’s supplier list
📦 What Can Grants Be Used For?
Cost Area | Covered by Grants? |
Fibre installation / civil engineering | ✅ Yes |
Router and CPE hardware | ✅ Sometimes included |
Excess construction charges (ECCs) | ✅ Yes |
Monthly rental charges | ❌ No |
Internal networking | ❌ No |
Additional services (VoIP, firewalls) | ❌ No |
🏢 Which UK Providers Support Government-Funded Installs?
| Provider | Redundancy options | Dual carrier Support? | From |
| Diverse routing, dual links | Yes | £399 + redundancy |
| Dual-site connectivity | Yes | £400 + |
| Separate routes, SD-WAN | Yes | £450 + |
| Active-passive options | Limited | £300 + |
| Multi-site and resilient WAN | Yes | £375 + |
📌 Always check the supplier is on the government’s approved list before applying.
🧠 How to Apply for a Government Connectivity Grant in 2025
Step-by-Step:
- Check your eligibility using the DSIT postcode checker
- Get a quote from a participating supplier
- Ask your provider to apply for the grant on your behalf
- Sign a contract once the voucher is approved
- Installation begins (typically within 30–90 days)
- The grant is paid directly to the supplier after successful activation
⚠️ You can’t apply directly as a business, the provider must submit the application.
💷 Real-World Example: How One SME Saved Thousands
Business: Digital marketing agency in rural Devon
Problem: Slow FTTC broadband limited productivity and cloud collaboration
Solution: Applied for a leased line via Zen Internet using the Gigabit Voucher Scheme
Cost: £0 installation (covered by £2,500 voucher), £250/month rental
Result:
- 500Mbps symmetrical speed
- Full cloud migration enabled
- Improved VoIP and video call quality
- Zero upfront cost to the business
🔑 Tips to Maximise Your Chances of Approval
- Use on-net providers to reduce construction charges
- Apply early in the financial year (grants may run out!)
- Bundle multiple premises (if applicable) for rural vouchers
- Ask for clear timelines and SLAs before committing
- Check your local council’s digital connectivity page for additional schemes
📈 Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss Out on Funded Fibre
We love that government connectivity grants remain one of the easiest ways for UK businesses to level up their internet infrastructure, especially as digital tools, remote work, and cloud reliance continue to grow.
By acting now and working with a registered provider, your business could save up to £2,500 on installation and unlock gigabit-capable leased line performance without breaking the bank.