Who can apply?
You may qualify if no decent broadband is available and no publicly funded build will cover you within twelve months. Ofcom also allows requests where the only decent service costs more than £59.60 a month, as checked in September 2026. You need not already be a BT or KCOM customer; available wireless and satellite services can affect the assessment.
Build costs and timing
BT or KCOM has 30 days to assess eligibility. The first £3,400 of your share of eligible network work is covered; you may have to pay the excess. Most connections take up to twelve months, with some taking 24. The ongoing broadband subscription is separate from the build cost.
Choosing while you wait
Ask what connection the USO provider proposes and when it could be ready. Compare that with the Starlink offer at your address. A future wired improvement may be worthwhile even if you need another connection now.
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