What is the Government’s New Digital Strategy?

June 25th, 2025
What is the Government’s New Digital Strategy?

A New Era for Digital Transformation in the UK

The UK government launched a new digital plan in 2022. This plan is made to help public services match the best ways of working you see in the private sector. The UK government has set out clear goals for reliable broadband and gigabit broadband. They also have strong funding, goals you can measure, and people who make sure the work gets done. With this, they want to give everyone in the UK the gigabit speeds and digital-first public service experience people want and need. This plan is there because the UK works to give all people the same fast broadband and good public services as anyone else.

This new plan learns from old mistakes, such as what happened with the troubled Verify identity system, the Universal Credit IT system, and the problems with electronic tagging projects. Unlike what was done before, this plan brings in transparency and accountability at every step.

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What is Project Gigabit?

Project Gigabit is the UK government’s £5 billion plan to bring gigabit broadband to rural areas and far away premises. This programme aims to reach homes and places that might not get broadband under normal commercial coverage. So, more people can get fast gigabit speeds, even if they live far from towns and cities.

Key elements include:

  • The plan is to reach up to 1 million eligible homes and small businesses (SMEs) with the gigabit broadband voucher scheme.
  • Local authorities, devolved governments, and suppliers will all be part of this work.
  • There will be funding from the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme (GBVS). This help is for homes and business places that are not in procurement zones.
Component Description
Project Gigabit Contracts Large-scale upgrades via public tender
Voucher Scheme Up to £4,500 for eligible rural premises
Fibre Community Partnership Co-funded schemes with local communities

Use the fibre availability checker to find out if your premises are included in Project Gigabit. This tool lets you see if gigabit speeds are ready and available at your address. You can check it any time to know more about gigabit services and where project gigabit is going.

Comparing Broadband Plans: Why It Matters

Consumers are told to compare broadband plans by using services like Free Price Compare. This can help people find a good deal on broadband. It will also let them know what other options are out there. When people look at different plans, they can find one that works well for them and their family. Using Free Price Compare is a simple way to save money and get the best broadband for your needs.

  • Find both fibre broadband and full fibre broadband plans that work for you.
  • See which speeds fit your needs, like 30 Mbps or 1000 Mbps.
  • Get the best broadband deals, including voucher scheme savings.

By looking at different providers and packages, households and SMEs can get better deals. They can also find better pricing, better performance, and check their eligibility for government-supported improvements.

Digital Strategy: Six Core Missions

The government’s programme has six main goals. These are to make digital connectivity better, help people learn new skills, and make it easier for us to get services.

1. Raising Standards in Public Services

By 2025, 50 out of the 75 best services will reach high levels of user satisfaction. The services will be made new again with better broadband speeds, so they are simple and work well for people. The main goal is to make these digital services clear, fast, and reliable by improving broadband.

2. One Login

A single digital identity system will soon take the place of several separate systems for all government services. The new way will have help from legislation and about £400 million will be invested in it.

3. Smart Use of Data

The plan set out to fix 50% of the main data problems. By doing this, there will be smoother services for people, better targeting, and improved use of analytics. The new rules for sharing data include groups such as Building Digital UK (BDUK), the Information Policy Team, and other UK regulatory bodies.

4. Sustainable Digital Procurement

New standard broadband equipment will be bought using rules that focus on sustainability first. This will help lower the cost of the network and cut down on waste. This way, the broadband setup will be better for the environment and also save money for us in the long run.

5. Closing the Digital Skills Gap

Building up essential digital skills in local communities and civil servants is at the heart of doing well with this mission. This will lower the need to use outside contractors for work.

6. Removing Barriers to Transformation

The Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO) will work with the Treasury, DSIT, and the Local Government Association. Together, they plan to get rid of problems in the system.

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Funding and Investment Breakdown

Funded Element Amount
Digital Transformation £8 billion (2022-25)
Gigabit Rollout (Project Gigabit) £5 billion
One Login System £400 million
Skills Development & Hiring £101 million/year

This investment helps build and improve things like digital phone lines and fibre broadband. It brings better tech systems for new homes and for people who live in urban areas. Places like Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland will also get these upgrades. This means that more people will have access to good broadband and better connections in their area.

Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme (GBVS)

The gigabit broadband voucher scheme helps pay for the cost of bringing gigabit-capable broadband to places that do not fall within a formal procurement area. The aim of this voucher scheme is to remove gaps in broadband service and to encourage more commercial investment where it may be hard to reach people. This way, more premises can get good gigabit broadband.

Eligibility includes:

  • SMEs or households in rural areas
  • Properties with a slow or no broadband connection
  • Premises that cannot get gigabit broadband without more help

Levelling Up and Regional Access

The strategy follows the Levelling Up White Paper. It wants to make the digital gap smaller between cities and places that do not get as much help. The plan also looks at how the upgrades will be managed. It tells people about voucher eligibility. There will be a reappointment of people in charge in different places to see how things are going.

Residents are asked to compare broadband offers so they can get good deals. These offers may be cheaper because of vouchers and better service from local providers.

Accountability and Delivery

The plan makes sure the goals are clear. There will be regular checks and the money spent will be tracked. The Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum (DRCF) and Ofcom will watch to see if everyone is following the rules and if things go as planned. The executive agency setup will help us make faster choices and stay flexible when things change.

Futureproofing the Nation’s Digital Infrastructure

From download speeds to better connectivity in parts of the UK where people have little access, this programme helps build a strong base. It sets up UK to have a more fair, competitive, and good digital economy that works for all.

Use Free Price Compare to look at and compare broadband choices. You can also check if you have eligibility for vouchers. This way, you get the most reliable broadband packages that are available in your postcode.

Futureproofing the Nation’s Digital Infrastructure

Correct as of 18 June 2025

FAQs About the UK Digital Strategy

What is Project Gigabit?

It is a £5bn government programme that aims to bring gigabit broadband to rural and other places that do not have good internet now. This programme will help people in these areas get the fast gigabit broadband they need. Many will see a big difference in how their broadband works. The goal is to make sure more of us have access to good gigabit broadband speeds.

What are Gigabit Vouchers?

A subsidy of up to £4,500 is offered to help with the cost to put in full fibre broadband. This is for people who have qualified properties. This can make it easier for people to get full fibre broadband installed in their homes or businesses. People may now be able to use fast fibre broadband without paying all the cost by themselves.

How can I check broadband availability?

You can use the fibre availability checker or Free Price Compare. These tools help you see if you can get fibre in your area. You can also check if there are any voucher schemes you may use.

Will I benefit if I live in a city?

Yes. While rural areas come first, urban areas get a boost, too. Upgrades help them and bring better commercial coverage.

Can this help my business?

Yes. SMEs in rural or hard-to-reach areas can get vouchers. The programme offers help for broadband upgrades and also supports digital changes for these businesses.

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