Dear Resident,
Gloucestershire County Council Digital Household Grant
We are writing to inform you that you can apply for Gloucestershire County Council’s
Digital Household Grant.
The grant is open to eligible properties with broadband download speeds of less than
30 megabits per second (Mbps).
For more information, please use https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/your-
community/digital-household-grant/
If you decide to proceed and apply for the grant, Gloucestershire County Council will
initially confirm your eligibility for the grant.
.
The grant covers the installation of a 4G antenna and router, enabling you to get the
most from the 4G network in your area. If your application is successful and you
decide to proceed the Council will pay these installation costs directly to the supplier.
The grant is designed to serve as an interim measure to improve your household’s
internet speed until the UK Government’s Project Gigabit programme or commercial
broadband investment provides a gigabit-capable solution in your area.
You will need to pay the ongoing 4G service costs such as monthly subscription
charges.
The service costs will vary depending on usage and the chosen network provider.
After an initial survey (paid for by the grant), our contracted supplier Satellite and
Terrestrial Works Ltd will advise you on the best network or networks available at
your address.
All costs associated with using the 4G service will be fully explained by our
contracted supplier (Satellite and Terrestrial Works Ltd) prior to any commitment
made for the installation of the 4G antenna and router. Alternatively, you can
compare costs and take up a service from the recommended 4G suppliers available
in your area.
Please note that the grant can only be used for installations undertaken by our
contracted supplier and the grant cannot be used retrospectively for existing
properties using a 4G solution.
Points to consider:
It is impossible to guarantee a consistent signal strength with 4G, therefore, the
Digital Household Grant is a temporary solution until more stable or improved
coverage is available.
Factors that may affect 4G signal strength:
• Distance and terrain between the property and the 4G mast.
• Physical obstructions such as buildings and trees (foliage can block the
signal).
• House construction materials, including stone walls and metal structures.
• Interference caused by cordless phones, Wi-Fi, and microwaves.
• Heavy rain, thunderstorms, snow, fog etc.
• Scheduled network maintenance or unexpected outages on the carrier’s
network can temporarily disrupt 4G service.
• During peak times, too many users connected to the same cell tower can
overload the network.
Existing landline number:
• If you wish to keep your existing telephone number and want to cancel your
current service, you must take out a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
service. It is also essential to ensure you ask your current provider to transfer
your number before you cancel the service. If you cancel before transferring
your existing number will be lost forever.
The grant application process:
- Apply for the grant by visiting https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/your-
community/digital-household-grant/ to complete the online application form. - A paper copy of the application is available if required via
digital.connectivity@gloucestershire.gov.uk or by contacting (01452) 425000 - You will receive an email confirming your property’s eligibility. If your property
qualifies, your application will proceed to the next stage. - Our contracted supplier will get in touch to arrange a site survey and conduct
a 4G signal test. - If the 4G signal meets the grant criteria, you will receive an offer email
detailing the solution being offered. - You will review the available services, select the one that suits your needs,
and confirm your decision to proceed with the installation. - The contracted supplier will then schedule your installation date.
- Following the completion of the installation and setup, you will be asked to
sign an acceptance certificate to confirm the hardware has been installed. - Once we have confirmation of the installation, we will pay the supplier directly.
- Any post-installation issues will need to be directed to the contracted supplier
and/or your chosen network provider.
For any further inquiries, please contact Gloucestershire County Council’s Digital
Connectivity Team at digital.connectivity@gloucestershire.gov.uk
Yours faithfully
Gloucestershire County Council’s Digital Connectivity Team
digital.connectivity@gloucestershire.gov.uk