We understand the importance of reliable broadband and mobile coverage for both homes and businesses. Our purpose is to ensure that every resident and business in North Ayrshire has access to the broadband infrastructure they need. We collaborate with:
- government programs
- Mobile Network Operators (MNOs)
- Alternative Network Operators (Altnets)
- digital connectivity technology solution suppliers
Through these partnerships, we strive to create opportunities for investment, enhance coverage, and bridge the digital divide.
To check your internet speed, use an internet speed checker, like the broadband speed test provided by Which.
Universal Service Obligation
In 2020 the UK Government announced a Universal Service Obligation (USO) for households and businesses that have a download connection speed of lower than 10 megabits per second (Mbps). If this applies to your property, BT are required to deliver a solution up to a maximum cost of £3,400. Possible solutions include a traditional fixed link, or 4G mobile connectivity.
If the cost of providing a faster connection exceeds £3,400, the household or business may have to meet the excess. There are other options that may help you cover part of the additional costs.
Find out about your right to request a decent broadband service.
Reaching 100% programme (R100)
An internet speed of 30Mbps or above is defined as 'superfast broadband'. We are working with the Scottish Government to deliver the Reaching 100% (R100) programme. This will provide a 30Mbps connection to every premise in Scotland. A superfast full-fibre infrastructure across North Ayrshire has already reached 872 premises. Another 1,445 properties will be reached by 2028, the majority planned for 2024. This will give residents and business access to speeds of up to 1000Mbps.
Check if your postcode is included within the R100 plan.
The R100 Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme ( R100 SBVS)
Some properties will not be connected to full-fibre broadband for a various reasons. The R100 offers vouchers of up to £5,000 to help these premises access superfast broadband.
Check if your property is eligible.
Vouchers can be used to pay for the installation of a superfast full-fibre broadband solution, or an alternative network solution. This could be:
- mobile broadband
- fixed wireless broadband
- satellite broadband
Vouchers may also be used to part-fund full-fibre infrastructure installation.
Vouchers from R100 SBVS can be combined with those of neighbouring properties to allow for higher value community solutions. We are creating a digital map to identify voucher clusters.
Please email the Digital Engagement team for support.
UK Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme
This voucher scheme can be used alomgside the R100 Scottish Broadband Vocher Scheme. Vouchers can be accessed by households and businesses in rural areas with slow broadband speeds (under 24mbps).
Access a voucher through a supplier up to £4,500 per property (household and small or medium-sized business), to buy a broadband solution.
For more information visit the Gigabit Voucher website.
The Community Fibre Partnerships
If an upgrade isn't planned, BT Openreach can work with the community to build a customised solution to bring Ultrafast (more than 300 Mbps) Full Fibre broadband to the community.
This could be funded using UK Government funding from the Gigabit Broadband Voucher, or by the community, or a combination of both.
This scheme may be used to upgrade to faster speeds in a community that already has fibre broadband.
Register your interest in ultrafast fibre broadband.
Mobile coverage
Some areas of North Ayrshire don't get reliable access to 4G mobile reception. We are working with the Shared Rural Network, and the 'Big 4' UK mobile networks (EE, O2, Three and Vodaphone), to push for further coverage.
Check mobile operator coverage in your area.
5G
Scotland 5G Centre, in Kilmarnock, provides free support and services to Scottish-based SME’S and public sector organisations. The hub offers:
- access to a cutting-edge 5G Mobile Private Network
- a secure space to test and develop 5G-enabled products, services, and solutions
Express your interest.
Glossary of Terms
Digital Connectivity Glossary of Terms (PDF, 108kb).
Engage with Us: Collaborate for Enhanced Digital Connectivity
We believe that achieving enhanced digital connectivity requires collaboration and partnership. Let's work together to drive innovation, expand access to high-speed internet, and unlock potential. We invite:
- residents
- businesses
- MNOs
- Altnets
- digital connectivity technology solution suppliers
to join us in our mission to create a thriving digital ecosystem in North Ayrshire. We welcome your involvement. Bring ideas, expertise, or resources.
We are here to support and encourage collaboration.
Together, let's shape the future of digital connectivity and empower our community with seamless access to the digital world.
Contact us
For enquiries, partnership proposals, or exploring opportunities to improve digital connectivity email our Digital Engagement Team.
Or, complete a customer digital connectivity enquiry form.
Please note: our availability to directly assist may be limited. We are committed to guiding you towards the most suitable resources or support available.