Quickline has marked a milestone in our mission to boost digital inclusion across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, having now connected 50 free broadband community hubs with ultrafast full-fibre broadband.
The latest to open its doors is Scotton Digital Hub, officially launched earlier this month alongside residents, community volunteers and David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire. The hub is one of dozens of rural venues including village halls, community centres and warm spaces, now benefiting from a free broadband connection as part of our social value programme.
Providing free broadband community hubs is just one part of Quickline’s wider social value commitment under Project Gigabit – the government-funded programme delivering gigabit-capable broadband to hard-to-reach rural areas. Alongside digital hubs, Quickline’s social value work includes skills support, community outreach, volunteering and initiatives designed to help local people get the most from improved connectivity.
Each ‘Q Hub’ plays a vital role in helping people gain digital confidence, access essential online services and stay connected with family, friends and opportunities, especially in communities that have historically suffered from poor connectivity.
Installed in October with support from Community First Yorkshire, Scotton Digital Hub has already begun transforming how residents go online. With fast and reliable full-fibre broadband, the hub is enabling skills sessions, digital drop-ins and day-to-day support for tasks such as online job applications, form filling, email use and internet safety.
Much of the progress in Scotton is thanks to Carolyn McDonald, whose leadership has turned the village hall into an accessible digital space for all ages.
Free broadband community hubs milestone reached, hear what was said.
The Chair and Acting Hall Manager, said: “Quickline’s broadband is a total game changer for the hall and its users. It’s an integral part of our new Digital Hub and will help those in our community who lack technical knowledge or confidence to get valuable support from our Digital Champions.
“We can now run workshops for people who need help connecting with distant family, booking appointments, shopping online and more. It’s really helped connect our rural community and bring us closer together.”
Across the region, Quickline’s 50 ‘Q Hubs’ are delivering life-changing benefits, from supporting older residents to stay independent, to helping young people with homework, jobseekers with applications and local groups with running community events.
Amelia Williamson, Social Values Executive at Quickline, attended the official launch of the Scotton Digital Hub. She said: “Reaching 50 free broadband community hubs is a great achievement and reflects our long-term commitment to bridging the digital divide. Each digital hub offers a safe, welcoming space where people can build confidence and develop essential digital skills.
“It was fantastic to celebrate Scotton’s official opening and see first-hand how meaningful these connections are for local communities.”
As Quickline continues to expand its network of free community hubs, the company remains focused on creating opportunities, improving access to online services and ensuring that rural communities across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire are not left behind in the digital age.
