Quickline, a rural broadband provider, is making headlines with its impressive strides in deploying fast, reliable broadband across West and South Yorkshire. Securing contracts in 2024 through the UK Government’s Project Gigabit, Quickline is tasked with providing gigabit-capable connectivity to previously underserved areas. For residents like Colin Walker from Willitoft, the impact has been profound. “It’s like winning the lottery. It has given me access to the world, within a second,” he said.
Their approach involves phased delivery targets for different zones. In West Yorkshire and the York area, the goal was to connect 6,273 premises by March 2025. Quickline exceeded expectations by reaching 6,426 homes and businesses. Meanwhile, in South Yorkshire, 3,621 connections were scheduled for completion by June, but the target has already been met.
When Quickline’s commercial ventures across rural Yorkshire are considered, over 30,000 addresses now benefit from gigabit-capable broadband. Colin aptly remarked, “If you can’t access decent internet nowadays, you are just left behind and forgotten.” His sentiment highlights the importance of broadband in bridging digital divides.
Telecoms Minister Chris Bryant praised Quickline’s achievements. “By exceeding these first milestones and connecting over 10,000 government-funded properties ahead of schedule, we’re already delivering on our commitment to level up digital infrastructure across the country, creating a more connected Britain,” he said. His statement underscores the collaboration between government and industry to address digital inequality.
Certain challenges persist as these contracts include complex builds in rural areas with sparse existing infrastructure. Despite this, Quickline not only meets but surpasses its first milestones. Dan Hague, Project Gigabit Delivery Director at Quickline, asserts, “Thanks to the commitment of our teams and build partners, we’re connecting thousands of premises and making real progress on closing the digital divide.”
