Connecting Cumbria Newsletter October 2026
Building Resilience Through Digital Connectivity
As we move into autumn and prepare for winter, digital connectivity continues to play a vital role in keeping Cumbria's residents, businesses and visitors connected, informed and resilient. From accessing essential services and remote working to staying in touch during periods of disruption, reliable connectivity has become an everyday necessity. In this edition, we highlight how digital connectivity is helping strengthen resilience across the county, alongside important updates and support available locally.
Digital Connectivity: Supporting Cumbria's Resilience
Resilience means being prepared, adaptable and able to respond effectively when challenges arise. Increasingly, digital connectivity is at the heart of this.
For residents, access to reliable broadband and mobile connectivity allows people to receive emergency information, access healthcare appointments online, communicate with support networks, manage finances and access vital public services from home.
For businesses, connectivity enables flexible working, cloud-based operations, online sales, customer communications and secure data storage. During periods of adverse weather or travel disruption, businesses with strong digital connectivity can often continue operating remotely and remain connected with customers and suppliers.
For visitors, reliable mobile coverage and digital services help people access travel information, accommodation bookings, local attractions, digital maps and emergency assistance while exploring Cumbria's towns, villages and countryside.
With almost 97% of premises now able to access superfast broadband, more than 87% benefitting from gigabit-capable connectivity, and outdoor 4G coverage available to over 99% of properties from at least one mobile operator, Cumbria has some of the strongest digital connectivity in rural Britain. As our reliance on digital services continues to grow, now is an ideal time to review your connectivity options and ensure you're making the most of the services available.
We would urge readers to refer to the Ofcom Broadband and mobile coverage checker to gain an understanding of what services can be accessed at a given property and compare provider options.
If you have a specific question regarding digital connectivity in your area, contact the team at info@connectingcumbria.org.uk.
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The UK's traditional Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is being retired by the end of January 2027, with services moving to modern digital networks.
While most people will experience a straightforward transition coordinated by their communications provider, it is important to consider how this change may affect devices and services that currently rely on the traditional phone network, including:
- Telecare and personal alarm systems
- Security alarms
- Door entry systems
- Payment terminals
- Lift emergency lines
- Fax machines and other specialist equipment
If you or someone you know uses any equipment that relies on a traditional phone line, we encourage you to contact your service provider or equipment supplier to discuss any actions that may be required.
Businesses should also review any critical systems that may depend on PSTN services to help ensure a smooth transition and maintain operational resilience.
Planning ahead now can help avoid unexpected disruption as the national switchover progresses.
Further information can be found here.
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Do you need help getting online, using a device, or accessing digital services?
The Riverside Digital Inclusion team is continuing to offer free weekly Digital Inclusion Sessions at The Oval, Workington, every Wednesday 10:30am to 12:00pm.
These welcoming sessions are person-led and problem-led, meaning support is tailored to individual needs and circumstances. The service is available to the wider community and can help people build confidence and skills in using digital technology.
In addition, stand-alone computers are available on-site for people who may not have access to their own device and need to complete online tasks.
If you know someone who would benefit from support getting online, please encourage them to attend a session or get in touch with Riverside for further information.
As we head into the winter months, it's important to consider what support might be available if severe weather affects electricity supplies.
SP Electricity North West's free Extra Care Register offers additional support to people who may find power cuts particularly challenging. This includes residents of pension age, those with disabilities or long-term health conditions, people who rely on electrically powered medical equipment, families with young children, and those with additional communication needs.
Those registered can receive:
- Priority communications during power cuts
- Advance notice of planned outages
- Early weather warnings
- A nominated friend or family member contact scheme
- Additional support during prolonged outages where required
Reliable digital connectivity is increasingly important during emergencies, helping residents access updates, stay in touch with family and friends, and obtain information from service providers. Registering for Extra Care support can provide additional reassurance and resilience during periods of disruption.
To find out more or register, visit here.
Further support from other organisations can be found at:
Improving Community Resilience: A guide for Parish / Town Councils
Building Resilient Communities
Community Emergency Planning
Get prepared for emergencies
Network security and resilience
Ofcom approach to network and service resilience
Stay connected in severe weather
Virgin Media O2 has announced a new £3 million Tech Rehome Network Fund, which will support local technology reuse networks across the UK through to 2030. The initiative aims to help tackle digital exclusion while reducing electronic waste by encouraging old devices to be refurbished and redistributed to people who need them.
Research commissioned by Virgin Media O2 found that around 460 million unused digital devices are currently sitting in UK homes and businesses, with an estimated 267 million devices potentially suitable for reuse or repair. At the same time, around 1.5 million people in the UK do not have access to a smartphone, tablet or laptop.
The fund will provide support to councils, charities and community organisations working to collect, refurbish and redistribute technology, helping more people access digital services, education, employment opportunities and online support. The programme forms part of Virgin Media O2's ambition to establish a culture of device reuse across 30 UK cities by 2030.
Further information can be found here.
As autumn brings shorter days, more challenging weather conditions and increased pressures on households, businesses and communities, Connecting Cumbria is highlighting the vital role that reliable digital connectivity plays in building resilience across the county.
From accessing essential services and keeping in touch with loved ones, to supporting local businesses, farming operations, remote working, education and emergency communications, fast and reliable broadband and mobile connectivity have become fundamental to everyday life.
With Cumbria now benefiting from some of the strongest rural connectivity in the UK, residents and businesses are increasingly able to take advantage of digital services that help them prepare for and respond to seasonal challenges.
Read the full story here.
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Fibrus has completed the first phase of its government-funded Project Gigabit rollout across Cumbria, having brought Full Fibre broadband to over 37,700 homes and businesses to some of the county’s hardest-to-reach communities.
Read the full story here.
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Viberoptix, part of the Fibrus Group, who is rolling out next general broadband to rural communities across Cumbria has been named Infrastructure Builder of the Year
Read the full story here.
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Has improved broadband or mobile coverage made a difference to your home, business or community?
We're looking for stories from residents, businesses and organisations across Cumbria who are benefiting from better digital connectivity. Your experience could feature in a future newsletter, website article or social media campaign.
To share your story, email info@connectingcumbria.org.uk.
Keep Up to Date with Connecting Cumbria
For the latest information on digital connectivity across the county, visit the Connecting Cumbria website and follow our social media channels.
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Together, we can help ensure residents, businesses and visitors across Cumbria are equipped with the connectivity needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
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