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). 

As part of an ongoing awareness exercise, we will be making contact with properties in areas where a fibre to the premise service is available but where take up to date has been low – look out for leaflets through your door in the coming weeks.

To see if you are able to access an improved broadband service, visit OFCOM broadband checker.

In Cumbria, UK Government awarded the Project Gigabit contract to Fibrus Ltd, who will be providing wholesale services on the publicly funded infrastructure under the brand Hyperfast GB.  Alongside the deployment of Gigabit speed broadband, this contract is bringing many other benefits to our county.  Some are detailed in the stories below: 

• Broadband apprentices start their training in Cumbria as Project Gigabit rollout picks up pace
• Fibrus grants help to tackle ‘digital poverty’ in Cumbria

More information on Project Gigabit in Cumbria can be found at https://www.hyperfastgb.com/Cumbria. 

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.

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 Cumbria 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:

• Woments cricket gets boost from Fibrus with new league in Cumbria
• Fibrus teams up with eero and Amazon to guarantee Wi-Fi in every room in your house
• Lanercost Cricket Club to host Lydia Greenway junior masterclass ahead of Voneus Village Cup

A note to 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#

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.

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 Great Britain (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.

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.

Based in Kendal, Penny Millar owns and runs Pink Spaghetti, a small team of virtual assistants specialising in helping small and medium sized businesses with their back office and admin tasks.

We talked to Penny about how the arrival of superfast broadband has enabled her team to do what they do faster and more effectively.

Find out more here.