Community Challenge Fund

The pioneering Community Challenge Fund scheme was launched by CDS in 2019 as an additional option to enable local communities to select an approved private sector partner to co-produce broadband solutions that work best for them.

With financial support and advice from CDS, pilots for the scheme were successfully trialled in Harford and Lower Combe in Devon, with the help of Openreach and Airband.

This has led to an expansion of the scheme which has seen help provided to the communities of Loyton, Claypits and Timewell Hill in Devon, and Skilgate, Upton, Huish Moor and Huish Champflower in Somerset.

In 2021, residents in Topsham became the latest to benefit from the scheme.