Why We’re Crowdfunding Gigabit IQ: Building Safer Broadband Families Can Trust
By Mashood Ahmad, Founder & CEO of Gigabit IQ (Grayshott Gigabit Limited). Today, I am excited to share insights about our upcoming Gigabit IQ crowdfunding initiative.
A Mission That Started in a Village
When we built our first full-fibre network in Grayshott — then known as Grayshott Gigabit — it wasn’t to compete with big telecom companies. It was to fix a local problem. Families in our area were stuck with slow, unreliable broadband, and no provider had any plans to invest in new fibre infrastructure.
When Covid-19 hit, that weakness became a crisis. Parents working from home struggled with video calls, and children learning online couldn’t stay connected. On top of that, families had little control over what their children could access online.
Those challenges shaped who we are today. Gigabit IQ was born from the belief that broadband should be fast, safe, and personal — where performance and protection work hand in hand.
Our Gigabit IQ crowdfunding campaign now invites the public to be part of that mission. This isn’t only about expanding our reach; it’s about returning ownership to the people who use our network — families, parents, and communities across the UK.
To learn more about our beginnings and how we built one of Britain’s first community fibre networks, visit About Us – GIGABIT : The UK’s Safe Broadband Provider.
A Community Broadband Story That Started in Grayshott
Gigabit IQ began life as Grayshott Gigabit — a small, community-led broadband project in rural Surrey. Hills & East Hampshire. After returning to the UK following 15 years abroad, I discovered that “superfast” broadband was neither fast, super, nor truly fibre. When BT quoted nearly £500 a month on a five-year fixed contract for a 100 Mbps leased line, it became clear that something had to change.
So, we built our own network. There was no corporate investment — only the support of local neighbours, bootstrapped funds from friends and family, and limited help from the BDUK Gigabit Voucher Scheme. Together, we created one of the first self-funded full-fibre networks in Britain. Today, that same spirit of independence drives what has become an award-winning broadband service.
That experience proved that communities — not corporations — can lead the digital future. It’s the foundation of our Gigabit IQ crowdfunding campaign, which lets the public invest directly in a safer, smarter broadband network for the UK.
Our story has been recognised by ThinkBroadband and ISPreview recognised our approach as a new chapter in broadband crowdfunding UK.
You can also read more in our Our Mission | About Gigabit IQ.
Why Crowdfunding and Not Venture Capital
Most Internet Service Providers rely on institutional investors. That model values scale over safety.
Our roots are community-driven. Through crowdfunding, every investor — whether they invest £20 or £100,000 — becomes part of a movement to redefine how broadband works.
We believe broadband should not only connect homes. It should protect them.
As an EIS-approved company, our investors can also benefit from Enterprise Investment Scheme tax reliefs, supporting both local enterprise and national innovation.
Why We Are Raising Funds
While traditional investors chase short-term gains, Gigabit IQ crowdfunding is focused on long-term value through safety, inclusion, and trust.
We are raising £270,000 to:
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Expand our footprint across 500 towns and villages across the UK, extending our model of community inclusion and partnerships with schools, PTAs, parish councils, and local clubs such as Grayshott Cricket Club and Elstead Ladies FC.
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Challenge the status quo by exposing fake fibre marketing, poor online safety standards, and the lack of parental protections across major ISPs. We are leading a campaign aligned with Ofcom’s Online Safety Act, urging all providers to offer clear parental controls and stronger transparency on harmful content.
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Expand FamilyGuard+, giving parents real-time visibility, screen-time management, and age-appropriate filters — even if they use another broadband provider. Learn more: Safer Internet | Internet Parental Controls – Gigabit IQ
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Scale CyberGuard+, protecting every connected device against malware, phishing, and scams. Read about the most common threats in our blog 9 Cybersecurity Myths That Put You at Risk
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Enhance Managed Wi-Fi, ensuring reliable, high-performance coverage across the home. Discover more in our Wi-Fi optimisation services: https://youtu.be/05Q0Lifja3Q
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Support Digital Inclusion, training local “Gigabit IQ Champions” to help families in rural areas get connected safely., and protect their children with FamilyGuard+: Family Guard+ Internet Parental Controls – Gigabit IQ
This campaign is about more than growth. It is about ensuring every household experiences broadband that is intelligent, inclusive, and safe.
The Value We Bring
Families face daily risks from harmful content, scams, and cyberattacks. Gigabit IQ is the first UK provider to combine:
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Full-fibre gigabit speeds for seamless performance.
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FamilyGuard+ parental controls with filters, limits, and alerts.
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CyberGuard+ cybersecurity, protecting every device automatically.
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Managed Wi-Fi, providing reliable coverage and easy control.
These features are normally scattered across multiple apps. Gigabit IQ brings them together in one service, managed by one team, through one app.
For more on how FamilyGuard+ protects kids online, visit our Guide to Safer Internet for Kids.
What Makes Gigabit IQ Different
Most ISPs stop at the router. We integrate speed, safety, and service into every connection.
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Smart Gigabit IQ App Control to manage all devices and apps in seconds.
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Network-Level Protection through FamilyGuard+ and CyberGuard+.
- We’re very keen on educating parents, schools, communities about online risks & dangers. Plus we work with great online safety advocates and champions like www.internetmatters.org, and https://screenfree.kidsnclicks.com/
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Award Recognition as Best Rural ISP and Best Over-the-Top Service for Managed Wi-Fi.
Our promise: Speed You Need. Safety You Trust.
You can also read our blog on our push to our broadband industry, Ofcom and the Online Safety Act to make sure all ISPs provide parental controls: Why UK Broadband Must Include Parental Controls: Ofcom Can’t Monitor Every Site – GIGABIT, and see how we go beyond standard broadband.
Why Now Is the Right Time
The UK broadband market is at a turning point. Big operators compete on speed and price while leaving families unprotected. Satisfaction scores are at record lows.
Our Gigabit IQ crowdfunding campaign allows people to invest in a provider that values safety and transparency.
As ThinkBroadband observed, this initiative “gives individuals the opportunity to invest in the business and its future growth.”
By investing in Gigabit IQ, you are helping create a safer digital environment for every household.
Watch Our Story to see how Gigabit IQ is redefining broadband safety for UK families.
Join the Movement
Our crowdfunding campaign is currently available to register interest: Invest here at Republic.
Together we can make online safety a built-in right — not an optional add-on.
If you believe broadband should protect your family, this is your chance to be part of the change, and join our movement.
