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UK.gov suspends broadband connection voucher scheme

'Funds fully committed,' crows DCMS

The government has suspended its broadband connection voucher scheme, following last month's announcement that more than 40,000 SMEs had got their hands on the funds.

In September, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport warned small businesses that time was running out to sign up to the scheme that helps them get connected to superfast broadband.

It was a different story last year, however, when take up of the then-£100m initiative was proving to be sluggish – with poor connectivity and pricey leased lines being blamed for the lack of interest from small firms.

Since then, the DCMS ran a big advertising campaign, simplified the application process for SMEs and revised down the total amount of available funds to £60m.

It said:

The Connection Voucher Scheme is currently suspended.

The funds available to the Scheme are close to being fully committed and we have suspended the scheme. Whilst the Scheme is suspended, cities will not accept applications.

A further update will appear here shortly.

The government vouchers gave businesses in 50 cities across the UK up to £3,000 in funds to help them connect to a broadband service. ®

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