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How a B4RN Project is Funded

Service Status

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Shares are held for a minimum 3 years (then they can be withdrawn by the shareholder) and have an attractive return (currently 5% p.a.).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

Customer Testimonial

We juggle two jobs from home, and it’s just been a game-changer. Just sign up! It’s the best internet service I’ve ever received, and I’ve moved a thousand times!
Georgiana, Dentdale
It has allowed us to improve our farm business through the implementation of Wi-Fi heat detection ankle bands on our herd, and thus improving our business productivity.
Heather Whalley, Farmer
OMG it is amazing! I don’t want to go back to London, which was faster than here, but not now! Just to say a BIG THANK YOU to all you guys, what a great thing you are doing. I’m shocked not everyone is signing up!
Customer in Norfolk
After lambing 1300 ewes a good film is what I want to watch and because we have B4RN that is no problem. Just enables me and my family to get on.
Farmer (Anonymous)
It’s like going from a Ford Anglia to a jet engine!
Jackie Frankland, Rathmell

We’re award winners!

Connected Britain Bpoty All Caps Edit Best Rural Isp Winner 2022 Inca Winner 2022 Medium Connected Britain Community Improvement Award Winner 2022 Inca Ispa 1663059912