Subsidies offered for basic broadband in low speed areas

Farmers and farm businesses may be able to improve their internet connection by taking advantage of the government’s Better Broadband Subsidy Scheme.

The scheme, managed by The Department for Culture, Media and Sport, offers subsidies for the installation and equipment required for a basic broadband service.

See also: Farmers Weekly’s ultimate guide to faster rural broadband

What is available?

Successful applicants will be emailed a unique code, which can be used against equipment and installation costs for basic broadband with one of the scheme’s approved suppliers.

The code will reduce the cost by £350 with the household or business having to pay any extra.

Orders using the code must take place within 60 days of the email being sent, however, installation can take place later than this.

The applicant will have to enter into a contract for a minimum of 12 months and the code cannot be redeemed against any monthly subscriptions as monthly fees vary depending on use.

Who can apply?

Households and businesses with an internet connection speed of below 2Mb/second, who are not due to receive a superfast connection within six to 12 months are eligible for the scheme.

You can check your internet connection speed here online via British Telecom’s broadband availability checker.  

You can check if you are due to get superfast broadband in the next six to 12 months on the government’s website. 

Receiving a subsidy through this scheme will not affect your chances of getting superfast broadband in future.

When?

You can apply for a subsidy code now and until the end of December 2017.

How to apply

If you believe you are eligible for a subsidy code, you can apply at The Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s basic broadband checker page. 

The scheme recommend prospective applicants research options available with suppliers who aren’t registered with the scheme in case there is a better offer available, for example discounts on a longer term contract.