Connecting Cumbria Newsletter April 2025

29 April 2025

Welcome to the April 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, urges readers to consider roaming charges when using their mobile’s abroad, points readers to information on social tariffs, explains what providers should be including in new mobile and broadband contracts, and takes a look at the latest press release from Connecting Cumbria featuring 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

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.

Funding for Project Gigabit in Cumbria is being increased from just under £100 million to circa £150 million. This means the number of premises that can be added to the roll-out has increased from circa 32,000 to over 53,000.

Connecting Cumbria, working with Building Digital UK (BDUK), supported the case for extra delivery through the Project Gigabit programme. Connecting Cumbria works on behalf of Westmorland and Furness and Cumberland Councils to improve digital infrastructure and connectivity across the county.

Read more here.

Commercial Deployment

Commercial Deployment

A number of providers are currently delivering commercial programmes of works 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.

Mobile Connectivity

Mobile Connectivity

Mobile Network Operators and Government are working together to transform mobile coverage countywide through the UK Government Shared Rural Network mobile programme, which has so far succeeded in delivering 95% geographical 4G coverage in the UK from at least one Mobile Network Operator and is continuing to work towards 84% coverage from all four Mobile Network Operators. The Connecting Cumbria team are committed to supporting this piece of work to maximise delivery in Cumbria. 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.

5G in Cumbria

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.

A number of Mobile Network Operators have started installing 5G radios into their existing 4G networks across the county. 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.

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.

The Borderlands 5G Innovation Region Programme Update

5GIR

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, a number of these are already live including at the Windermere venue, 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.

Using your mobile abroad

With the summer holiday period almost upon us and for those readers planning to spend these abroad, we would urge you to give some consideration to the use of your mobile outside of the UK.

Each of the UK mobile providers has different approaches to roaming charges and fair use policies. It is important to check with your provider to see what their approach is before you use your mobile abroad.

For general advice on roaming, and to help you understand the protections that are in place, Ofcom have answered some frequently-asked questions and provide some useful advice here.

Social tariffs: Cheaper broadband and phone packages

Do you receive Pension Credit or other government benefits? You may be eligible for low-cost mobile and broadband deals – known as social tariffs.

These social tariffs provide the opportunity to save up to £220 a year, offer mobile plans from £10–£12/month and broadband plans between £12–£23/month.

With over 30 providers offering these deals, you might not even need to switch.

Find out more here.

Signing a new broadband or phone contract?

Ever wondered what is supposed to be included when you take out a new broadband or phone contract?

This video explains what providers are supposed to include in your contract, as set out in Ofcom's General Conditions - the rules that all phone and broadband companies must follow.

More information can be found here.

Hop online this Easter

Castle Chocolates

The Connecting Cumbria team is encouraging businesses to check what broadband and mobile connectivity is available in their area, as access to faster, more reliable services continues to expand.

With many businesses across Cumbria already benefiting from improved digital infrastructure - boosting sales, improving efficiency, and better showcasing their products and services - there has never been a better time to explore what’s available in your location.