Project Gigabit
Project Gigabit contract update
Building Digital UK (BDUK) and CityFibre have mutually agreed not to proceed with the Project Gigabit Lot 10 contract covering Nottinghamshire and West Lincolnshire. The decision follows updated information showing that more premises in the area are now expected to be reached through commercially funded broadband rollout by suppliers, rather than through the publicly funded Project Gigabit contract.
What has changed?
The Lot 10 contract was originally awarded to Connexin in February 2024. It was intended to deliver gigabit-capable broadband to around 34,300 hard-to-reach premises across Nottinghamshire and part of West Lincolnshire. In March 2025, CityFibre acquired Connexin’s full fibre network and took over responsibility for delivery of the contract.
BDUK and CityFibre have now agreed that the contract will not proceed. BDUK has stated that this is because a significant number of premises that were previously expected to be included in the contract are now expected to be covered by suppliers’ own commercial plans.
BDUK is now considering alternative options for premises that are not covered by commercial rollout plans. This may include bringing some premises into another BDUK contract with Openreach, future Project Gigabit procurements, or targeted voucher support where suitable suppliers are available.
What does this now mean for residents and businesses?
For many residents and businesses, the immediate position is that there is uncertainty about when improved broadband services will become available. Some premises may still receive gigabit-capable broadband through commercial rollout plans, but others may now need to wait for BDUK to confirm alternative delivery arrangements.
This is likely to be of particular concern to rural and harder-to-reach communities, where commercial broadband rollout can be more challenging and where access to reliable, high-speed connectivity is especially important for work, education, business growth, public services and everyday life.
What is the council’s reaction to this?
Nottinghamshire County Council is deeply disappointed by this announcement. The decision creates uncertainty for residents and businesses and may mean extended waits for improved connectivity in parts of the county. Delays to better broadband access can affect economic growth, limit opportunities for rural communities and widen the digital divide.
The council has already written to the Minister to raise concerns about the lack of progress and will write again to seek urgent clarification on what this decision means for Nottinghamshire and what alternative investment or delivery plans will now be put in place.
The council will continue to work with BDUK and other partners to press for clear timescales, fair investment and practical solutions for the premises that remain without confirmed gigabit-capable broadband coverage.
What action can I take now?
Residents and businesses can continue to check broadband availability with internet service providers, as some premises may still be included in commercial rollout plans. Availability can change over time as suppliers update their build programmes.
Anyone affected by the decision may also wish to contact BDUK directly for further information about national delivery plans and future support options. BDUK can be contacted through its correspondence for ministerial support website or by emailing [email protected].
The council will share further updates when BDUK confirms alternative delivery arrangements for Nottinghamshire.
