Gigahubs have well and truly landed in Leicestershire – with all 43 now live and bringing lightning-fast, reliable broadband to rural public sector buildings.
Leicestershire County Council has teamed up with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) to boost the connectivity of schools, libraries, recycling centres and other public sector buildings in hard-to-reach areas which wouldn’t have received an upgrade commercially due to their rural location.
Completed in March, the pioneering £1.5m programme aims to open up digital resources for pupils and enable libraries to offer more activities, as well as make the area more attractive for potential future investment from commercial broadband suppliers.
“This is a real feather in our cap and great news for our rural areas.
Person:Councillor Pam Posnett, cabinet member for broadband
“I’m delighted we’re one of the first counties to complete the roll out, which means more children can benefit from cutting-edge digital resources, creates new opportunities to bring communities together and encourages commercial suppliers to bring the fastest speeds to more places.
“In 2024, access to Gigabit-capable broadband is essential and we’ll be working with communities to make sure they’re maximising the new opportunities.”
Telecoms Minister Chris Bryant said: "The world has changed - and is changing faster than ever. Access to high-speed, reliable internet was once a privilege reserved for a few, but we want to extend it to everyone. Our investment is more than just a technological upgrade; it's a catalyst for change in Leicestershire. By enhancing connectivity for schools, libraries and public services, we're transforming how communities and individuals engage with the digital world.
“Students in Leicestershire’s most remote schools will now be able to dive into interactive online learning experiences without the frustration of buffering. Libraries can now offer a broader range of digital resources, and public services can operate more efficiently. This isn’t just about closing the digital divide; it’s about opening doors to new opportunities and building a more connected and equitable future for Leicestershire and beyond."
Gigabit-capable broadband will be available at all sites over the next few months as new contracts are taken-up at the following sites:
- Fleckney Library
- Desford Library
- Lutterworth Library
- Barlestone C of E Primary School
- Sherrier C of E Primary School
- Lutterworth High School
- Waltham on the Wolds C of E Primary School
- Somerby Primary School
- Asfordby Hill Primary School
- Congerstone Primary School
- Higham on the Hill Primary School
- Witherley C of E Primary School
- Old Dalby C Of E Primary School
- The Market Bosworth School
- Market Bosworth Library
- St Peters C Of E Primary School Mkt Bosworth
- Dunton Bassett Primary School
- Ullesthorpe C Of E Primary School
- Newbold Verdon Primary School
- St Andrews C Of E Primary School Academy
- Desford Community Primary School
- Kibworth Recycling and Household Waste Site
- Meadowdale Primary School
- Ab Kettleby Primary School
- Fleckney C Of E Primary School
- Great Dalby School
- Harby C Of E Primary School
- Long Clawson C Of E Primary School
- Highways Depot Foxton
- Market Harborough Recycling and Household Waste Site
- Croft C Of E Primary School
- Manorfield C Of E Primary School
- Sharnford C Of E Primary School
- Swinford C Of E Primary School
- Sapcote Library
- Stoney Stanton Library
- Croft County Council office
- Lutterworth Recycling and Household Waste Site
- Seagrave Village Primary School
- Sheepy Magna C Of E Primary School
- Stanton Under Bardon Community Primary School
- Sileby Library
- Nailstone Depot
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) GigaHubs programme is part of Project Gigabit, the Government’s £5 billion programme to deliver lightning-fast, reliable broadband in hard-to-reach areas of the UK. The scheme is set to connect thousands of rural public sector buildings including schools, libraries and other public buildings.
For more information, please visit the Digital Leicestershire website.