Gigabit Broadband Programme benefits for Barnet

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Why we are getting involved

As a landlord for nearly 14,000 properties, we want to ensure that all our tenants and leaseholders can access the best possible and most affordable broadband connections, and ideally be able to choose from a number of service options. 

We have made it easier for operators to install Gigabit Broadband and in exchange are securing commitments to commercial investment and rollout programmes to homes and businesses across the borough.

By working with several operators, we can expect to see greater network resilience, faster roll out to most homes and businesses, whilst also giving residents a greater choice of broadband network operators and affordable options.

Benefits for Barnet

The Gigabit Broadband Programme supports the council to tackle the key barriers to digital inclusion, recognised by UK Digital as:

  • access (connectivity and affordability)
  • skills
  • confidence
  • motivation

The primary purpose of the programme is to support access improvements. Through the opportunities for commercial investment we seek wider social value commitments from network operators to support skills development, confidence-building, and ways of increasing the motivation to get online.

COVID-19 has highlighted the reality of digital exclusion. Despite a greater number of residents now getting online more frequently and likely to have improved their skills and confidence with using online services and tools. We also know there are some residents who have struggled and for whom additional help and support will be essential.

Through each partnership, the council will be engaging with broadband operators to build a bespoke plan of additional social benefit activities which provide support to residents and businesses. Information around our social benefit activities is currently available through BOOST.