The UK fibre market has almost doubled in size in less than two years. Altnets have expanded from 8.6 million premises in early 2024 to around 16 million by the end of 2025, cementing themselves as a major force in the UK’s digital infrastructure landscape. 

Budget 2025 did not announce new standalone digital funds, but it fundamentally resets the environment for how local authorities should think about digital infrastructure, AI readiness, planning, and economic transformation. The clear message is: 

The Scottish Government has published its refreshed Digital Strategy for Scotland: Our Vision (2025), setting out a clear ambition for digital to connect people to opportunities, drive economic growth, and deliver improved public services.