Most have been started by residents in rural areas, fed up of being unable to access a decent internet connection. Thanks to government funding schemes and dedicated local volunteers some of these schemes have played a big part in empowering thousands of homes and businesses with full fibre digital technology. From digging trenches to sitting on governance boards, these grassroot projects are all about power to the people.
Some are formally registered as co-operatives, meaning they operate on a "one member, one vote" principle, and profits are often reinvested into the network or distributed fairly among members. Others may be structured as Community Interest Companies (CICs), charities, or non-profits with similar aims.
It’s hard to pin down an exact number, but there are currently dozens of active community broadband initiatives across the UK. Their visibility is increasing, especially as rural digital inclusion becomes a national priority.
Some notable examples include:
Broadband for the Rural North (B4RN)
Launched in 2011, B4RN is the biggest not-for-profit broadband project in the UK. It is run by volunteers in Lancashire and it delivers gigabit full-fibre broadband to over 13,500 customers in some of the most remote parts of northern England.
Based in Alston, Cumbria, Cybermoor has been delivering broadband to rural communities since the early 2000s.
Operating in the Hebrides, HebNet provides wireless broadband to isolated Scottish communities where traditional providers don’t reach.
Community ISPs usually begin when a group of residents or a local authority decides that traditional providers aren't meeting their needs. Then they may:
The instant benefit is easy to see – ultrafast speeds in rural areas. Many community ISPs offer full-fibre connections that are often faster and more reliable than what big providers offer even in cities. But along with the obvious digital advantages, there’s the added ethical benefits of enhanced community engagement, such as:
Local ownership and accountability
Being community-owned means decisions are made locally, with transparency and direct user input.
Reinvestment in the community
Profits are typically reinvested into network expansion, digital literacy projects, or community hubs.
Affordable pricing
These providers often undercut commercial rivals on price while still offering top-tier speeds.
Resilience and innovation
Without the bureaucracy of large corporations, community ISPs can be surprisingly agile and tech-forward.
While the benefits are clear, community ISPs also face hurdles:
Funding and scalability
Rolling out fibre broadband is expensive and complex.
Regulatory red tape
Navigating telecom regulations and infrastructure permissions can be daunting.
Awareness
Many people still don’t know these alternatives exist.
As digital connectivity becomes as vital as electricity and water, broadband co-operatives and community ISPs offer a fresh approach – one that’s democratic, innovative and inclusive. They're not just plugging the gaps left by big telecoms; they're building a new model for how the internet can be delivered in the 21st century.
If you live in a rural area or are simply looking for a provider with a more ethical, community-first ethos, it’s worth checking if there’s a local broadband co-op near you. And if not? Perhaps you might want to start one yourself. Eligible homes and businesses can access vouchers from the government’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme worth up to £4,500 to help towards the costs of installing a gigabit-capable broadband connection.
