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Welcome to the July 2023 edition of the Connecting Cumbria newsletter.
This edition directs readers to information regarding all aspects of connectivity improvements across Cumbria. We also talk to businesses from both ends of the county about how their broadband service supports them in what they do.
If you would like to see any specific topics covered in future editions of the Connecting Cumbria newsletter, or if you have any queries regarding connectivity in your area then please forward these to the team at info@connectingcumbria.org.uk
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Since 2012 there have been significant improvements in broadband infrastructure but you can only benefit if you place an order with your chosen Internet Service Provider (ISP).
To see if you are able to access an improved broadband service, visit OFCOM broadband checker.
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Cumbria is the pilot area in the UK Government Gigabit Programme and has been allocated a budget of up to £109m to extend gigabit capable connections to some of the harder to reach premises that won’t benefit from commercial deployments.
This contract was awarded to Fibrus Ltd, who will be providing wholesale services on the publicly funded infrastructure under the brand Hyperfast GB; more information can be found at https://www.hyperfastgb.com/Cumbria.
Works commenced in Autumn 2022 and homes in some areas of Cumbria are already able to order services – over 900 properties in Aspatria are now connectable.
Read more here.
As Project Gigabit gains momentum across Cumbria, readers are urged to follow the Hyperfast GB website and their Facebook page for all the latest news and information.
Summer Shows
Hyperfast GB are keen to inform residents and businesses in Cumbria about their roll out of full fibre broadband in Cumbria through Project Gigabit and will be attending summer shows across the county – see here for more info: Hyperfast GB – Summer Shows! - Hyperfast GB
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It is expected that up to 80% of properties around the UK will be covered through the commercial deployment of new gigabit capable infrastructure by a mix of different network companies by the end of 2025.
The significant commercial investment into the county by these network programmes, alongside improving digital connectivity, is providing jobs and opportunities for communities. Check out these recent stories about sponsorship and/or investment initiatives:
Network operators, if you have a story you would like us to share in future newsletters then please contact the team at info@connectingcumbria.org.uk.
To find out which network operators are in your area please check your postcode at https://checker.ofcom.org.uk/en-gb/broadband-coverage#
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The UK Government Shared Rural Network mobile infrastructure programme is seeking to deliver 95% geographical 4G coverage in the UK from at least one Mobile Network Operator by 2025 and 80% from all four.
The Shared Rural Network is collaborating with the Home Office who are leading a cross-government programme to deliver the new Emergency Services Network (ESN) critical communications system. This will replace the current Airwave service used by the emergency services in England, Wales and Scotland and transform how they operate. Read more about ESN here.
To find out more about the Shared Rural Network and how it is bringing mobile broadband to rural communities across the UK visit the SRN website.
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The Borderlands Partnership has been established to unlock the potential for sustainable and inclusive economic growth across the South of Scotland and the North of England.
To find out more, please visit the Borderlands website.
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5G is a critical emerging technology which will create a range of opportunities for businesses, leisure, transport, service delivery and safety.
Find out more about how this continues to develop across Cumbria via:
5G New Thinking - Find out more here.
Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Accelerator 5G - Find out more here.
Natural, handcrafted bath and self-care products lovingly made in Cumbria to help create some ‘me time’ is exactly what Cockermouth home-based ‘The Business of Bathtime’ makes available to customers near and far.
With an array of products available to purchase, this gem of a business really does provide something for everyone.
We talked to Sarah Moore, the entrepreneur behind this business about how she uses her broadband service to support what she does.
Read more here.
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South Cumbria based Yellow Ribbon Gifts provides an extensive range of homeware, gifts and more; promoting positivity to make sure you always feel your best whilst creating ‘beautiful homes and beautiful minds’.
We talked to Mia Crossman who owns and runs this successful business which came in to being in 2021 about how her broadband service has and continues to support her in what she does.
Find out more here.
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It has been brought to our attention that there was a technical issue with the Connecting Cumbria mailbox which prevented emails being delivered to us at the end June and early July. This issue has now been resolved. If you emailed the team during this time period and have not yet received a reply, please could you resend to the usual email address info@connectingcumbria.org.uk. We can only apologise for this.
We thank you for your continued support of the improvement of connectivity across Cumbria.
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