Research and analysis

Final evaluation of BDUK legacy vouchers schemes

A report of the final phase of Building Digital UK legacy voucher schemes.

• From: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and Building Digital UK
• Published: 1 October 2026

Documents

Executive Summary

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Introduction

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Impacts on Local Area Broadband Performance: Output Area Analysis

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Impacts on Local Area Broadband Performance: Postcode Analysis

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Economic and Labour Market Impacts

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Social Impacts

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Environmental impacts

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Broadband market impacts

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Cost Benefit Analysis

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Conclusions

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Appendices

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Details

This report presents the findings from the final phase of the evaluation of Building Digital UK (BDUK)’s legacy voucher schemes, as delivered up to 2021. This includes 2 voucher schemes:

• Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme (GBVS): delivered between November 2017 and May 2020, with a focus on connecting SMEs and stimulating the full-fibre broadband market. 

• Rural Gigabit Connectivity (RGC) voucher scheme: delivered between May 2019 and March 2021, this adapted the voucher approach to support delivery in rural areas only

This final phase uses longer-term data to assess how connectivity and wider economic, social and environmental outcomes have changed over time, and includes an updated assessment of value for money. The report focuses on measuring and assessing the effects of vouchers on improving connectivity, supporting business and local economic growth, delivering social and environmental benefits, and stimulating competition in the broadband market.

Published 1 October 2026