Connecting Cumbria Newsletter March 2024
Welcome to the March 2024 edition of the Connecting Cumbria newsletter.
This edition of the newsletter looks at Project Gigabit, commercial deployment and mobile connectivity, moving landline phones to digital technology, switching off the UK’s 3G mobile networks, provides an update on the Borderlands 5G Innovation Region Programme and contains the latest press release from the team on why Cumbria businesses are urged to check the connectivity options available to them this Easter.
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
Project Gigabit
Project Gigabit delivery continues across Cumbria. Up to £108m of funding for gigabit-capable broadband will improve connectivity across our county to up to 60,000 properties that are not expected to be reached through commercial deployment programmes. You can follow all the latest news and find out all the latest deployment information via the Hyperfast GB website where you are now able to check the status of your property using the ‘check availability’ tab.
|
Commercial Deployment
There is a strong commercial programme of works by a number of providers to further enhance connectivity across our region.
Find out which companies are currently offering services in your area using the Ofcom broadband checker tool.
|
Mobile Network Operators and Government are working together to transform mobile coverage countywide through the UK Government Shared Rural Network mobile programme, which is seeking to deliver 95% geographical 4G coverage in the UK from at least one Mobile Network Operator by 2025. The Connecting Cumbria team are committed to supporting this piece of work. Keep up with all the latest developments on this here.
You can find out more about current mobile connectivity in your area using the Ofcom mobile availability checker here.
|
The technology that we currently use to make landline phone calls is being upgraded over the next few years.
Landline phone calls have traditionally been delivered over a network known as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). This network is old and becoming harder and more expensive to maintain and therefore needs to be replaced.
Replacing the PSTN will ensure we continue to have reliable home phone services.
Find out more about his and what is means for you here.
The UK’s mobile services currently use four different ‘generations’ of mobile technology: 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G. The 3G networks have been around since 2003 and are used to deliver calls, texts, and lower speed data services.
The mobile providers have decided to switch off their 3G networks, starting from early this year. This will affect customers on those networks using older mobile devices and services. If you have a 4G or 5G mobile device or service, this change is unlikely to affect you and may only require a software or settings update.
Find out more here.
Borderlands 5G Innovation Region Programme
Following the announcement that Borderlands has been named as one of the ten 5G Innovation Regions by UK Government, representatives from each of the five local authorities in England and Scotland which make up the Borderlands Partnership (Cumberland Council, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Northumberland County Council, Scottish Borders Council and Westmorland and Furness Council) continue to work to develop the plan of works for five initial sites across the Borderlands.
Since our last newsletter, FarrPoint have been appointed to support development and delivery of a benefits realisation programme to ensure proper monitoring of the Borderlands 5G Innovation Region programme and understand the benefits of the planned investment. The programme is also progressing the procurement process to appoint a lead supplier with registrations of interest gathered, a Borderlands 5G Innovations Regions Procurement webinar held and the invitation to tender scheduled for release shortly.
|
 |
|
With many businesses across Cumbria now using the various improved connectivity options available to them to increase sales, work more efficiently and showcase what they have to offer, there has never been a better time to check to see what options are available in your area.
Read more here.
|
You can now follow the team on social media for all the latest news and information regarding connectivity across Cumbria.
Facebook
X (formerly Twitter)
Any likes and shares are always appreciated.
|
