Connecting Cumbria Newsletter November 2024
Connecting Cumbria Newsletter
Welcome to the November 2024 edition of the Connecting Cumbria newsletter.
This edition of the newsletter picks up on some of this month’s most frequently asked questions that we receive, provides an update on the Borderlands 5G Innovation Region programme and points readers to our recent case studies from Gift and Stitch Aspatria and The Fell Foodie.
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 speeds 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 it will be completed early in the New Year.
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 significant 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 your full postal address to info@connectingcumbria.org.uk
The mobile service in my area does not meet my expectation, what is being done to improve this?
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.
I am looking for a new phone / broadband / TV deal – can you tell me what I should go for?
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
At this time of year in particular there are an array of offers available from a host of different service providers. We would urge readers to shop around for a service which best fits their needs whilst providing them with value for money. Being a savvy shopper can really make a difference in today’s competitive market.
We also urge readers to remember 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.
There are a number of providers operating on the road network across Cumbria at present. If I have any concerns regarding any aspect of this, where do I relay them?
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
Borderlands 5G Innovation Region Programme Update
Since our last newsletter and the announcement of AWTG Ltd as lead supplier of the Borderlands 5G Innovation Region programme, significant progress has been made with regard to the delivery of innovative 5G solutions across five sites in the Borderlands. The team are currently focussing on the high level radio design and engaging with key stakeholders in each of the initial five sites:
- Destination Tweed
- Kielder Castle and Forest
- Stranraer Marina
- The Sill @ Hadrian’s Wall
- Windermere 5G Ferry
As part of the programme the delivery team is currently seeking to engage with key stakeholders for the Windermere area, the tourism sector, public services and others to increase understanding about the 5G Innovation Regions programme. In support of this, the delivery team and programme delivery partner, AWTG Ltd, are planning to be part of the upcoming Glebe Park Christmas markets which are taking place on Sunday 1st December 2024.
Representatives from AWTG and Connecting Cumbria will be on site for the duration of the event to demonstrate how the provision of advanced wireless technology can be of benefit in such areas and answer any questions which are presented on the day.
Gift and Stitch Aspatria
Aspatria embroidery, gift and party supplies firm Gift and Stitch have taken massive leaps forward in their business since we first spoke to them back in 2019.
We caught up with owner, Dawn Richardson, as she prepares for the busy Christmas period, to find out what they have been up to and how the arrival of gigabit broadband in Aspatria is supporting them in all that they do.
Dawn said “since we have moved premise, the business has gone from strength to strength with the expansion of the products and services we have available. The team working in the shop has grown and behind the scenes we are busier than ever with the number of embroidery contracts we are now fulfilling. This growth has exceeded our expectations; we have loved watching it happen and are extremely grateful for all the support of our customers along the way”.
Read the full story here.
The Fell Foodie
Harrison Ward is an outdoor cook, author, mental health speaker and TV personality.
After discovering a passion for hiking in 2016 following a drastic life change, it wasn’t long before a lifetime love of cooking was merged with his new hobby. He can often be found creating delicious, restaurant style meals with minimal camping equipment in the hills and publicly speaking about his battle with alcoholism, depression and obesity.
We caught up with Harrison to find out how access to online services is so important to what he does.
Read the full story here.
Follow us on Social Media
You can now follow the team on social media for all the latest news and information regarding connectivity across Cumbria.
Any likes and shares are always appreciated.
Shout out to Cumbria Based Businesses
Are you a business in either the Cumberland or Westmorland and Furness Council 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.
You can view our previous case study stories here.