Connecting Cumbria Newsletter
Welcome to the June 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, points readers to information on the telephone digital switchover and how it impacts traditional landlines, provides information on the national skills drive to unlock opportunities for young people in tech and showcases how two local 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
The UK Government Project Gigabit Programme is seeking to expand gigabit capable broadband to over 99% of UK properties by 2032 through a combination of commercially funded deployment and public funded interventions.
The main public funded intervention in Cumbria is the Project Gigabit regional contract between Building Digital UK (BDUK) and their supplier Fibrus which continues to deploy across Cumbria. This gigabit-capable broadband scheme is improving connectivity across our county and is expected to deliver to circa 53,000 properties by 2027. 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.
In support of the Project Gigabit contract in Cumbria, Fibrus are supporting many events with recent attendance at both the Pollinator Picnic and Walk event in Irthing Park, Brampton organised by the Cumbria Wildlife Trust and Brampton Green and Wild, and the Cumbria Young Farmers Northern Area Field Day event where they had the opportunity to chat with locals about the benefits of full fibre broadband and how Hyperfast GB is continuing to improve rural connectivity across the county.
Find out more about what Hyperfast GB are doing here.
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Unfortunately, while almost every property* in Cumbria without plans for delivery of gigabit services through commercially led deployment programmes are part of the UK Government Project Gigabit programme, not all eligible properties have been incorporated into the contract between BDUK and their supplier Fibrus.
The Connecting Cumbria team are continuing to work alongside BDUK to understand the options available to properties where there are currently no plans to improve connectivity to ensure that no one and no place is left behind. As the picture for Cumbria evolves and work continues to better understand the options available, readers are urged to monitor our website www.connectingcumbria.org.uk where further information will be published when it becomes available.
In the meantime, it may be worth looking at other options available for connectivity. Ofcom provide information on some of the options available via their website.
(*Exceptions may include properties which are registered as derelict or which were built after 2022.)
Commercial Deployment
A number of commercial programmes of works continue to be delivered across Cumbria which will further enhance connectivity in 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 Connectivity
Mobile Network Operators and Government are working together to transform mobile coverage countywide through the UK Government Shared Rural Network mobile programme.
The Government Shared Rural Network programme recently announced that 51 mast upgrades had been activated across the UK at end May 2025. These activations cover parts of the Lake District, enhancing connectivity in the National Park. Read the full story on this here.
Readers may be aware of the recent Mobile Network Operator (MNO) merger of mobile providers Vodafone and Three who now have a combined business name of VodafoneThree. Migration of customers of VodafoneThree to seamlessly use both networks has started, prioritising areas with poor 4G connectivity from either network. Which? provide advice on what this means for signal, data speeds and costs for Vodafone and Three customers here.
Across the County, Mobile Network Operators have started installing 5G radios into their existing 4G networks. With a focus on areas with increased demands from consumers, coverage is typically focused on urban or high traffic areas. More information can be found here.
You can check current mobile connectivity, including 5G availability, in your area using the Ofcom mobile availability checker here.
Map Your Mobile
Millions of Britons could be missing out on the best mobile network for them, according to Ofcom, as it launches a new postcode checker that reveals local coverage and performance.
The service allows users to enter their postcode and obtain a local map of the networks that are available, together with data showing which operator’s network gives the best performance for their postal district.
Find out more here.
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When the Borderlands 5G Innovation Region programme set out to deploy advanced wireless infrastructure to The Crook Inn at Destination Tweed, Kielder Castle and Observatory, The Sill at Hadrian’s Wall, Stranraer Marina and Loch Ryan and Windermere Ferry tourist destinations, the goal was to create a platform for long-term growth, improving services for residents, strengthening the rural tourism economy, and delivering better connectivity where it’s needed most. This platform is operational and will soon be available for local authorities, community partners, and businesses to connected to.
Find out more about this programme by visiting the Borderlands 5G Innovation Region programme web page here.
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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, so it needs to be replaced.
This investment by the telecoms operators is positive but this move will change a few things about how users access services; especially with respect to telehealth devices and maintenance of services during power outages.
UK Government are urging telecare users, or other vulnerable landline users, and their loved ones to speak to their telecoms providers ahead of the switch to digital landlines to ensure they get the support they require. Further information on this can he found here.
The Digital Poverty Alliance have also released information to support service users through this transition. They have published two new public factsheets; one for individuals and families, and one for carers and frontline support workers. Each sets out what’s changing, who will be most affected, and the steps you can take now to stay safe and connected.
Further Information and advice can be found here.
Pupils across the country will be given the skills and tools needed to get the AI-powered jobs of the future thanks to a new skills programme launched by the Prime Minister.
At the heart of the skills drive, and as part of the upcoming modern Industrial Strategy, is a new £187 million government “TechFirst” programme to bring digital skills and AI learning into classrooms and communities and train up people of all ages and backgrounds for the tech careers of the future.
Read the full story here.
NSA North Sheep 2025
The Connecting Cumbria team attended the North Sheep event on 4 June at Greystoke Castle Farm where we had the opportunity to talk to agri-tech companies, charities and business from within the agricultural sector about the importance of improved connectivity and the need to ensure nobody and no place is left behind. The event was a huge success and our thanks go to all those who talked to us on the day.
Westmorland and Furness Staff Expo Event
The Connecting Cumbria team were represented at the recent Westmorland and Furness Staff Expo event where we had the opportunity to talk to other Council teams about the importance of online connectivity, access to online services, and how this supports the overall aims of the work of the Council. We are really excited to build on these conversations to seek to work even more closely with our colleagues to deliver excellent services for Cumbria.
Connecting Cumbria Leaflets
If you have any events which would benefit from the supply of Connecting Cumbria literature, we have leaflets which can be provided on request. Please contact the team at info@connectingcumbria.org.uk
Dilecta
Based in Penrith, Dilecta cosmetics make a range of natural skin care and home fragrance products.
Established in 2012, Dilecta was founded with a vision of creating something meaningful and impactful whilst prioritising customer satisfaction and innovation. With both dedication and commitment Dilecta has become a thriving business and a reputable name in the self-care industry.
We caught up with Kerry who co-manages this business to find out how access to online services is so important to what they do.
Read more here.
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Based in the village of Abbeytown, which stands on the Solway Plain between Wigton and Silloth, Sam Little is embarking on a new business venture as a home-based self-employed Personal Travel Consultant under Hays Travel, the largest UK independent travel agency.
We talked to Sam about how the availability of fibre broadband at her home address has enabled her to commence this new business venture. Read the full story here.
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We are looking to talk to businesses from across Cumbria who are using fixed line or mobile connectivity to support what they do and who would be interested in becoming 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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