B4RN Project Funding

A B4RN project is partly funded by Government vouchers, grants and community investment.

Government Voucher Funding

What is it?

B4RN (Broadband for the Rural North Ltd) is a registered supplier with the UK Gigabit Voucher programme.

The funding is provided by DSIT (Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology).

We aim to upgrade homes and SME (small to medium-sized enterprise) businesses to gigabit-capable broadband.

Each successful application is worth thousands of pounds towards a project (businesses are worth more).

Eligibility

All homes and business must sign-up for 12 months service to take part in the scheme.

Any home or business subject to a voucher application must be receiving a broadband speed of under 100Mbps.

Other business-only rules apply relating to an SME’s size, accounts and previous State Aid.

Investment

Government funding usually covers much of the build cost, with the shortfall raised by local community investment. (NB: you do not have to invest to get a B4RN connection).

Shares are held for a minimum 3 years (then they can be withdrawn by the shareholder) and have an attractive return (currently 5% p.a.).

Invest £1,500 in a single transaction before you go live and the connection fee (£60) is waived.

Investment makes you a member which allows you to vote at our AGM.

Grants

Across the UK there are many small charities and trusts that provide grants for the benefit of local residents and community groups. They may be connected to:

Churches
Schools
Parish Councils
District or County Councils
Private Trusts

Gavin And Belinda Second Nature Smallban

Stories from out in the field from our very happy customers

One residential customer in Over Kellet used to know whether it was worth firing up her computer by looking out of her front window to see what the weather was doing with her telephone line.