Connecting Cumbria Newsletter February 2025
Welcome to the February 2025 edition of the Connecting Cumbria newsletter.
This edition of the newsletter takes a look at some of the most frequently asked questions received by the team, provides information on the University of Cumbria ‘Shaping a Tech and Innovation Enabled Workforce’ project, visits the recent B4RN deployment in Kaber, provides an update on the Borderlands 5G Innovation Region Programme and takes a look at how two Cumbria based businesses are using online connectivity to support 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
Are there any plans to improve broadband services in my area?
Project Gigabit delivery continues across Cumbria. This £108m gigabit-capable broadband scheme will improve connectivity across our county. Further details regarding deployment are available via the Hyperfast GB website where you can check the status of your property using the ‘check availability’ tab, and the Hyperfast GB Facebook page.
The properties included in this programme are currently being reviewed by Building Digital UK, an executive agency of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, with the expectation that additional properties in Cumbria will be released for deployment planning by Fibrus under the contract. Please note that we do not have a firm timescale for this process, but we are hopeful that information on this will be available in the coming months.
Alongside this, there is a strong commercial programme of works by a number of providers which will further enhance connectivity across our region. These programmes are investing over £300m, and creating a significant number of jobs, with deployment expected to reach more than 200,000 properties.
Find out which companies are currently offering services in your area using the Ofcom broadband checker tool.
If you have a question regarding connectivity in a specific area, please send it with your full postal address to info@connectingcumbria.org.uk
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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 and 84% from all four. The Connecting Cumbria team are committed to supporting this piece of work. Keep up with all the latest developments on this here.
You can check current mobile connectivity in your area using the Ofcom mobile availability checker here.
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Any issues in the Cumberland area should be reported via Report a problem with a street or road | Cumberland Council
Any issues in the Westmorland and Furness area should be reported to Streets, roads and pavements | Westmorland and Furness Council
The UK Government Cabinet Siting and Pole Siting Code of Practice can be found here. This voluntary Code of Practice has been developed by telecoms providers and interested parties in support of pole siting across the UK.
In addition to this, readers may be interested to read advice from UK Parliament on the rules around telegraph poles deployed as part of broadband networks - Broadband companies and telegraph poles. This advice covers whether broadband companies need to consult with planning authorities and residents, and whether they should install cables underground or utilise existing infrastructure instead.
Any concerns regarding the workmanship of the placing of poles should be raised via:
Any issues in the Cumberland area should be reported via Report a problem with a street or road | Cumberland Council
Any issues in the Westmorland and Furness area should be reported to Streets, roads and pavements | Westmorland and Furness Council
Whilst the team are unable to give any specific advice, we are able to point readers in the direction of Ofcom support on this.
We would urge readers to visit the Ofcom website at Phones and broadband - Ofcom to find information on the following:
Ofcom accredited price comparison sites
Choosing the best Broadband provider
Broadband Speeds – What you need to know
Switching Broadband Provider
New Contract Checklist
We would urge readers to shop around for a service which best fits their needs whilst providing them with value for money.
We also highlight to readers that social tariffs, which are cheaper broadband and phone packages for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits are available. Some providers call them ‘essential’ or ‘basic’ broadband. More information on these can be found here.
Are there any plans for 5G in Cumbria?
A number of Mobile Network Operators have started installing 5G radios into their networks across the county but coverage is typically focused on urban or high traffic areas. More information can be found here.
5G is a critical emerging technology which will create a range of opportunities for business, leisure, transport, service delivery and safety. We are continuing to look at opportunities across Cumbria to support deployment of 5G to ensure that Cumbria is positioned to maximise benefits from this technology for our businesses, residents and visitors.
Readers are directed to the below information sources to find out more:
5G New Thinking – please click here.
Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Accelerator 5G – please click here.
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The Borderlands 5G Innovation Region Programme is one way in which the team are supporting use of 5G technology in the county. Since our previous newsletter, work continues at speed alongside lead supplier AWTG Ltd on the delivery of innovative 5G solutions across the five sites identified in the Borderlands area:
- Windermere 5G Ferry
- Kielder Castle and Forest
- Stranraer Marina
- The Sill @ Hadrian’s Wall
- Destination Tweed
By end March 2025, the programme will have delivered private 5G network coverage at each of the programme venues listed above. In Cumbria, with a focus for initial investment in the Ferry Nab area of Windermere, this 5G connectivity will support the operations of the ferry crossing, enhance public safety and support facilities management. Find out more about the 5G Innovation Region Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal here.
Readers may be interested in taking a look at the latest releases from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on their Future Networks Programme, focussing on Transport and Tourism referencing to the work being carried out by the 5G Innovation Region programme across the country.
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On Wednesday 19 February, the team helped celebrate the rollout of B4RN Full-Fibre Broadband in the Village of Kaber, which is part of a collective of communities including Nateby, Hartley, Winton, and nearby hamlets. This celebration was a testament to the power of community spirit.
At the event, B4RN thanked the community volunteers involved for their dedication and support from landowners, investors, and key stakeholders - homes, farms, and businesses now have access to resilient full-fibre broadband.
Find out more about B4RN here.
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The University of Cumbria is running a project called Shaping a Tech and Innovation Enabled Workforce. They will be collaborating with businesses and organisations in the region to understand the support required to build and amplify a tech and innovation enabled workforce. The intention is to gather data and insights to share with partners across the region. This will then bring together resources and create clear skills development pathways across the digital ecosystems for businesses at all levels.
The University would like to reach out to businesses in Cumbria via survey and an event to gain an understanding of how best to drive tech skills for Cumbria.
If you are a business and would like to participate, here are the links to the project survey and event:
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Short 15-minute survey: This survey explores the "what" and "how" of tech skills development. Your responses will be invaluable in shaping future tech skills development across the region. You can access the survey here.
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Event: "Shaping a Tech and Innovation Enabled Workforce": At this event, we will explore in more depth the "what" and "how," aligning them with the opportunities that devolution brings. You can register for the event here.
Please email lauren.strong@cumbria.ac.uk if you have any questions.
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The Lakes Free Range Egg Company is a family owned business producing and packing free range and organic free range eggs. Based in the heart of Cumbria, ‘The Lakes’ is industry leading in its approach to animal welfare and environmental provenance. We talked to David Brass who runs this successful business alongside his wife Helen about the importance of good online connectivity in supporting what they do.
Read the full story here.
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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 the full story here.
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Are you a business in either the Westmorland and Furness or Cumberland areas using fixed line or mobile connectivity to support what you do? We are really keen to talk to you about this with a view to creating our next case study story.
If you would like to get involved, benefiting from local and possible national publicity through our programme, then please contact the team at info@connectingcumbria.org.uk. We look forward to hearing from you.
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