Project Gigabit in Scotland

Description

Deployment of infrastructure using the Gigabit Infrastructure Subsidy scheme that will facilitate access to gigabit capable internet connections to premises which are not expected to be otherwise covered by suppliers' commercial plans. Lot 1: The Gigabit Infrastructure Subsidy scheme forms part of Project Gigabit. Project Gigabit is a UK Government funded programme aimed at supporting the build of gigabit-capable broadband infrastructure in areas of the UK which are unlikely to attract commercial investment within a reasonable timeframe, if at all (referred to as the final 20% (f20)). Building Digital UK (BDUK) is an executive agency of the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology. BDUK is targeting market interventions in f20 areas of the UK through the award of subsidised contracts to support the build of gigabit-capable networks providing long-term, sustainable wholesale gigabit broadband infrastructure in the hardest to reach parts of the UK. As part of Project Gigabit, the Scottish Government is working with BDUK to deliver contracts to suppliers delivering gigabit-capable wholesale infrastructure in Scotland (Project Gigabit in Scotland). This procurement approach is a successor to the Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband programme and will work in parallel with the Scottish Government’s current Reaching 100% (R100) programme. The Scottish Government is currently running Project Gigabit in Scotland procurements in Borders and East Lothian and the North East of Scotland. Subject to supplier interest, the next procurement in Scotland is expected to launch in November 2024, covering Fife, Perth and Kinross. This will be procured using the restricted procedure. It is anticipated that a further two regional procurements in Orkney and Shetland and in Dumfries and Galloway – South will follow in subsequent months. The estimated date of publication of contract notice is set out at II.3). All dates are indicative and subject to change. The launch of each procurement is subject to the Scottish Government and BDUK being confident that there is the market interest in each procurement to lead to successful contract award. The Scottish Government and BDUK reserve the right not to proceed to procure the Proposed Procurement Areas detailed in this Prior Information Notice and the Information Pack. This is not a commitment from the Scottish Government or BDUK to launch any procurement(s).