Connecting Cumbria Newsletter March 2025
Welcome to the March 2025 edition of the Connecting Cumbria newsletter.
This edition looks at fixed line broadband and mobile connectivity updates across the county, provides an update on the Borderlands 5G Innovation Region programme, provides information to readers on the Fibrus Community Fund, looks at the UK Government Digital Inclusion Action Plan, provides guidance on broadband and Wi-Fi in village halls and community buildings 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
Project Gigabit Update
Project Gigabit delivery continues across Cumbria. This gigabit-capable broadband scheme is improving 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.
We are aware that a review of properties included in this programme has been completed by Building Digital UK, an executive agency of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. We anticipate that as a result of this review, additional properties in Cumbria will be released for deployment planning by Fibrus under the Project Gigabit contract. We would urge readers to monitor the Hyperfast GB website for updates.
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Commercial Deployment
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 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.
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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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A number of Mobile Network Operators have started installing 5G radios into their existing 4G networks across the county. Coverage is typically focused on urban or high traffic areas and is expanding as operators seek to cope with increased demands on their networks from consumers. 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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Since our previous newsletter, the team working on the Borderlands 5G Innovation Region programme have been pushing forward at pace alongside lead supplier AWTG Ltd on the delivery of innovative 5G solutions across the five initial sites identified in the Borderlands area:
- Windermere 5G Ferry
- Kielder Castle and Forest
- Stranraer Marina
- The Sill @ Hadrian’s Wall
- Destination Tweed
The programme is on track to deliver initial use cases that will take advantage of private 5G network coverage and these use cases are expected to be active for a minimum of two years. The Department of Science, Innovation and Technology has recently confirmed an extension of 12 months for their support for this programme with further work expected at each of the programme venues listed above.
In Cumbria, the current focus for initial investment is at the Ferry Nab area of Windermere. This is a really exciting time for all involved, and those who will benefit from this advanced technology. 5G connectivity will support the operations of the ferry crossing, enhance public safety and support facilities management. Keep following for more information.
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The Fibrus Community Fund Cumbria was established by Fibrus in 2023 as part of its social obligations under the Project Gigabit contract awarded by Building Digital UK on behalf of UK Government. The Fund is aimed at addressing digital poverty and exists to support the work of communities in Cumbria, to provide access to digital technology for the most vulnerable.
The Fund opens for applications on Monday 7th April 2025. The closing date for applications is 9th May 2025.
To find out more information click here.
Digital technology has the potential to transform modern society, creating equal opportunities for everyone to access information, create connections, and live healthy and fulfilled lives. However, millions of people in the UK are currently held back from reaching their potential as they do not have essential access to connectivity, digital technology or the skills to use it effectively. Connecting Cumbria works to deliver improved digital infrastructure across the county, but we know that this is only one factor in helping communities benefit from connectivity and we regularly engage with programmes working on this multi-factor issue across Cumbria.
Find out what UK Government are doing to overcome this issue nationally through their Digital Inclusion Action Plan here.
Village halls and community buildings are increasingly looking to offer broadband and Wi-Fi access to their users to support a range of community activities and to enhance the facilities offered as a venue for hire.
Connecting Cumbria have produced this short guide to support those seeking to improve digital connectivity in village halls and community buildings. This document can be found here and the Action for Cumbria network has a number of case studies showing how such connectivity can beneficial.
Castle Chocolates offer luxury chocolates handmade daily from their business base in the city of Carlisle. Located on Fisher Street, this charming family-run chocolate shop ensures the highest quality treats for you and your loved ones. Offering a warm and inviting experience, we urge you to pop into their store, or visit their online shop, and witness the magic this business has to offer. As Castle Chocolates gear up for the busy Easter period, we spoke to Keith Tattersall who runs this successful business about the importance of online connectivity to support what they do.
Read the full story here.
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Looking for natural, vegan and sustainable fragrances, skincare and bodycare, made beautifully by Cumbria based artisans, designed to be refilled, reused and recycled? Then look no further than The Bath House. With stores in Bowness, Ambleside, Kirkby Lonsdale, Knutsford, Ilkley and York and with plans to open a further store in Keswick, we were really intrigued to find out how online connectivity is supporting the success of this business and all it does. We talked to one of the founders and directors of The Bath House, Nigel Brooks, to find out more.
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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You can now follow the team on social media for all the latest news and information regarding connectivity across Cumbria.
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Any likes and shares are always appreciated.
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