The scheme had been open to SMEs in 50 cities around the UK to receive grants of up to £3,000 to cover the cost of installing high-speed broadband services in their premises.
The government confirmed in early September that 40,000 businesses had already been awarded grants, and warned that time was running out to apply for any more funding as the pot dwindled.
The Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DMCS) explained that those who had applied for funding ranged from architects, estate agents and mechanics to event coordinators, cafés, graphic designers and caterers.
A spokesperson for the DCMS has now confirmed that the funding appears to have been used up, and that the scheme will be suspended for the time being.
“We are delighted that tens of thousands of businesses have received a voucher, giving them access to an affordable superfast broadband connection,” they said.
“We have now suspended the scheme pending confirmation that the remaining funds have now been allocated.”
Source: New feed