Quickline Communications has announced an ambitious plan to deliver gigabit-capable broadband across rural regions. Over the next three years, the company aims to provide high-speed internet to 360,000 locations in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, marking a significant step towards bridging the digital divide.
This initiative is backed by a substantial £250 million fund secured through a collaboration with the National Wealth Fund, Natwest, and long-term investors Northleaf Capital Partners. This financial support enables Quickline to accelerate its rollout program. The company’s efforts are part of the broader UK Government’s Project Gigabit. With a combined subsidy of over £300 million, Quickline will set up connections spanning West Yorkshire, York area, South Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, and the East Riding of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.
The impacts of this scheme are already visible, with several rural communities such as Escrick, Barnby Dun, and North Cave now equipped with full fibre broadband. Construction is actively progressing in areas like Hoyland, Skipsea, and Grainthorpe. By the year’s end, Quickline anticipates reaching 200,000 rural premises, with plans to more than double this figure by 2028.
The government-backed Project Gigabit is pivotal in ensuring remote areas of the UK have access to next-generation broadband. It targets localities that might miss out on vital upgrades, delivering much-needed connectivity. As such, it represents a lifeline for communities long neglected by larger service providers.
While the initiative promises enhanced connectivity, the focus also lies on economic benefits. Reliable and fast internet can stimulate local economies, foster innovation, and help communities prosper. The plan aligns with goals beyond mere speed—it emphasizes fairness, inclusivity, and opportunities, as stated by Sean Royce, CEO of Quickline. “Transformational broadband is more than speed. It’s about fairness, opportunity, and inclusion,” he said. “Reliable broadband will unlock new opportunities, boost local economies, spark innovation, and help communities thrive.”
