BLOG - Does my business need gigabit broadband
Does my business need Gigabit Broadband?
YES! Is the long and short answer. In the 21st century high speed broadband is as essential to businesses as other utilities such as water, gas or electricity. And in turn, broadband reliability becomes paramount for a business. Gigabit broadband is typically delivered by installing fibre rather than copper directly to the premises (FTTP). As DCMS points out “Full fibre networks (such as MS3’s) are the future and getting ready for a gigabit speed is a key step for most businesses.”
In recent times we’ve seen first-hand that the demand for better connectivity and faster speeds has increased dramatically. Many organisations rely heavily upon good connectivity and we believe that this demand will only increase further in the years to come. Full fibre connections are the best way to support that demand and having gigabit broadband means businesses can make full use of supporting technologies like VoIP and Cloud Computing whilst also being able to download large files in seconds or communicate with suppliers anywhere in the world.
How can my business get Gigabit Broadband?
Back in March 2018 the Department for Culture, Media and Support announced a £67m scheme called the Gigabit Voucher Scheme which offers SME’s grants of up to £2,500 to upgrade your broadband connection to Gigabit Capable Broadband (100Mb and above)
For ambitious, growing businesses, ultrafast fibre broadband is quickly becoming a must-have. It will allow you to save time and money whilst enabling greater productivity from your staff.
To date MS3 has helped businesses access over £100,000 of gigabit vouchers for a wide range of organisations including gyms, dance studios, bars, escape rooms and funeral directors so we know exactly how to help your business. Have a look at our postcode checker on the top of the page to see if you're covered by our network.
There are a few terms and conditions around who can access the funding. Small to medium-sized enterprise is defined as one that employs fewer than 250 people and has an annual turnover not exceeding €50 million, and/or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding €43 million. This includes sole traders.
You must not have received more than the permitted amount of de minimis aid in the last 3 years.
Further information can be found at https://gigabitvoucher.culture.gov.uk/for-businesses/
