The Gigahubs Programme

What is a 'Gigahub'?

This programme provides extremely fast ‘gigabit’ (up to 1,000Mbps) internet connections to public service buildings such as schools and libraries in rural areas, making them a connectivity ‘hub’. By using public funding to install a full-fibre cable into a site, not only will the staff and pupils/public users of the hub site benefit, but improved connectivity will become available to nearby businesses and homes as broadband providers make use of the new infrastructure put in place.

In this way, full-fibre connectivity can be spread into places which are not well served by the commercial broadband market which tends to prioritise urban areas.

We have secured £1.2m of Central Government funding to deliver the project, which has now been extended to include more sites. The project will complete at the end of March 2027. 

Eligibility

In order to be eligible to receive a public-funded Gigahubs connection, sites must:

  • Be classified as a public sector building and perform a public function.
  • Be in a rural location (according to a specific ONS definition).
  • Be in a location where a gigabit capable network isn’t likely to be built commercially in the near future.
  • Be in a location where a gigabit capable network isn’t likely to be built through a government-funded contract in the near future.

Checks are carried out in order to ensure that the above criteria are met for any candidate sites.

The D2N2 Gigahubs ProjectFunded by UK Government Logo

In 2024, the Council secured £1.2m of Central Government funding to deliver 32 sites across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, most of which were rural village primary schools. This project was completed in June 2026.

The EMCCA Gigahubs Project  

The Gigahubs Project is now being funded by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA). £489k of Local Growth Fund money was secured to deliver another 14 sites (7 in Derbyshire, 7 in Nottinghamshire) by the end of March 2027.

Once these new fibre connections are in place, they will support the improved delivery of public services at each site by streamlining access to web hosted back-office functions and increasing resilience against slow connectivity and service interruptions.

In addition, there are specific benefits for:

Schools

  • Improved broadband speeds means quick and reliable access to online digital media learning resources, fostering greater engagement by students.
  • Able to host ‘virtual field trips’ in class with external providers, broadening students’ access to a wider variety of content.
  • Research conducted in a number of countries suggests that students with access to high-speed internet in the classroom tend to achieve better academic outcomes.
  • Compliance with Department for Education Digital and Technology Standards for Schools and Colleges which stipulate a minimum broadband download speed of 100Mbps over a full-fibre connection.

Public Libraries

  • By offering high speed internet to their users, libraries help to bridge the ‘digital divide’ by enabling access to digital services for those who don’t have it at home. This will benefit learners and job seekers, and will enable access to other online and council-led digital services.
  • Support residents to develop their digital literacy skills.
  • Can host online video conference events with authors, poets, etc.

The project contributes towards the UK Government’s overall target to make gigabit internet connection speeds available to at least 99% of premises by 2032. 

In January 2023, OFCOM reported gigabit availability at around 72%. In order to close the gap, the challenges posed by the high-cost barrier to commercial investment in infrastructure for rural areas must be overcome. Gigahubs projects are one way of helping to achieve that. UK gigabit availability as of October 2026 is 91%, whilst Nottinghamshire being slightly above the average with 93% of premises getting coverage.

Is the connection fully funded, or will I have to contribute a percentage of the cost?

The installation of the full-fibre connection is fully funded by the project.

Will my annual internet costs increase as a result of this?

Not necessarily. You may even find that they are cheaper, depending on which provider and level of service you choose.

Will I have a choice of which internet service provider I can use?

Yes. The project only installs the fibre cable to your premises. You will then choose to take up a service from a range of internet service providers.

Do I have to move away from my current internet service provider?

Not necessarily. Many providers will be able to continue to provide your service over fibre, but with higher performance and more resilience.

I am in a contract with my current provider. Do I need to switch provider as soon as the fibre connection is installed?

No. We recognise that sites may be tied into a contract and unable to take up a service on the new connection until that has expired. 

How long will I have to wait for the new fibre connection to be installed?

That will depend on a number of factors. We will be able to provide more information as the delivery phase of the project gets under way.

Am I likely to incur any other costs resulting from the switch to fibre?

Possibly. Your IT provider can confirm this.