The scheme is enabling remote communities to access fast, reliable gigabit-capable broadband
Thousands of homes and businesses in rural parts of East Yorkshire are starting to receive better broadband connections. Project Gigabit is a government-backed initiative designed to bring fast, dependable gigabit-capable connectivity to remote communities.
Broadband provider Quickline has secured contracts valued at more than £300 million to deliver upgraded connections across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, including up to 25,000 rural premises throughout the East Riding. Project Gigabit focuses on properties and businesses excluded from broadband providers’ commercial rollout plans and are currently only able to access speeds below 100 megabits per second.
This initiative will extend coverage to areas of the East Riding that could otherwise be left without essential high-speed digital connectivity. Quickline began construction work in the East Riding in 2024 and has already connected more than 4,500 premises, enabling them to access gigabit-capable broadband services.
At the moment, work is going on across some of the area’s most isolated locations, including Holderness and the Wolds.
Councillor David Tucker, deputy leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said “Most East Riding residents are able to access high speed internet, but we know there are some regions where this is still a challenge, especially in very rural areas. We’re proud to work with partners to invest in our region and provide an additional 25,000 rural premises with gigabit-capable broadband. This will support communities, businesses and the rural economy.”
Josh Webster, a senior engineer at Quickline and one of the team involved in the rollout of full fibre across Holderness, grew up in the area and has close ties to the community.
He said: “I’m really proud to be part of the Quickline team rolling out full fibre broadband here in Holderness. This part of East Yorkshire is where I grew up, and it’s still home for me and my family.
“I know first-hand how frustrating it’s been for people to struggle with poor connectivity – whether that’s children trying to do homework, businesses trying to operate online, or simply keeping in touch with friends and loved ones.
“Holderness is a beautiful, rural area and that’s exactly why people choose to live here. You get the peace and space of the countryside, but for too long that has come at the cost of decent broadband.
“With Quickline’s gigabit-capable network, that’s about to change. I’m excited to see the difference the rollout will make for local families and businesses, and I’m proud to be part of making it happen.”
East Riding of Yorkshire Council will maintain its collaborative efforts with the government, Quickline, Lincolnshire County Council, North Lincolnshire Council and North East Lincolnshire Council, to ensure maximum connectivity for eligible premises.
Gigabit-capable broadband, offering a download speed of at least 1 gigabit per second (or 1,000 megabits per second), is at least twenty times faster than the current average broadband speed in the UK, allowing for the download of a high definition film in under one minute.
Project Gigabit is expected to operate in the East Riding until 2028.
Further details about Project Gigabit can be accessed at https://broadband.eastriding.gov.uk