BDUK Superfast Programme evaluation

BDUK Superfast Programme evaluation

The DCMS commissioned Ipsos Mori to carry out a State Aid evaluation of the UK National Broadband Scheme which was established in 2010 to help extend high-speed broadband connectivity to areas, including those that were not expected to benefit from commercial rollouts. The scheme has reached over 96% of premises in the UK today and provided £2.7bn worth of economic benefits.  

Key overall benefits and impacts identified include:

  • 5.5m contracted premises are covered.
  • £860m of taxpayers’ money saved for reinvestment.
  • Increased firm and worker productivity: £1.1bn in 2019 up from £691m in 2016.
  • £742m – £1.5bn consumer value placed on Superfast broadband.
  • A rise in the value of homes sold in programme areas between 2012 and 2019 by up to £3,500, a rise of 1.16% worth £1.52bn.
  • 17,600 more jobs in programme areas, including 2,100 lifted from long-term unemployment creating an increase in gross value added (GVA) by £125m.
  • £1.1bn gained in GVA through increased workplace productivity.

The availability of faster coverage led to a £1.9bn increase in total annual turnover for firms based in areas upgraded through the programme. For every £1 invested by the government in the programme, an additional £2.70-£3.80 of economic and social benefits has been created in the UK economy.

The programme was divided into three phases, the last phase being funded under a new state aid judgement covering contracts awarded between 2016 and 2020. Phase 3 contracts appear to have increased the number of premises with superfast coverage by 10,800 to 29,300, and the number of premises with FTTP coverage by 19,000 to 30,300.

bduk_phase_3_premises_passed_rural_vs_urban

BDUK_Takeup_2021

The various reports are listed below.

Superfast Broadband State Aid evaluation: main report

Superfast Broadband Programme evaluation: key benefits and impacts

Technical Appendix 1 – reducing the digital divide

Technical Appendix 2 – modelling of internal rates of return

Technical Appendix 3 – economic and social impacts

Technical Appendix 4 – initial market analysis