Connecting Cumbria Newsletter August 2025
Welcome to the August 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 the latest Connecting Cumbria press release which looks at how online connectivity is supporting the agricultural sector this summer and asks what topics readers would like to see in future editions.
Project Gigabit Update
The UK Government Project Gigabit Programme is seeking to expand gigabit capable broadband to 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.
To find out about Project Gigabit deployment across Cumbria, please visit the Hyperfast GB website and the Hyperfast GB Facebook page.
You can now tune into Hyperfast GB’s latest podcast episode as they explore how Project Gigabit is bringing lightning-fast, reliable full fibre broadband to communities across Cumbria sharing insights on the challenges and successes of rolling out full fibre in rural areas, and how this transformation is helping to bridge the digital divide. Listen now on Spotify and read more in their blog.
Commercial Deployment
In support of the UK Government target of expanding gigabit capable broadband to 99% of UK properties by 2032, a number of commercial programmes of works continue to be delivered across Cumbria.
Find out which companies are currently offering enhanced services in your area using the Ofcom broadband checker tool.
Mobile Connectivity
Ofcom’s new ‘map your mobile’ checker shows which network offers the best 4G or 5G signal where you need it most. Once you put in your postcode, you’ll get two sets of information:
Coverage. This shows whether a 4G/5G signal is available locally, either indoors or outdoors, and whether the signal is likely to be good or variable. The results are shown on a map so you can move around and zoom in. Note that Ofcom indoor coverage in particular is indicative and may not reflect real life experience.
Performance. This is the likelihood that you can stream video on your phone when you’re in your local area.
To find out more and access this tool, click here.
The Borderlands 5G Innovation Region Programme Update
When the Borderlands 5G Innovation Region set out to deploy advanced wireless infrastructure to some of the UK’s most remote and beautiful tourist destinations, the goal was clear: to create a platform for long-term growth. A platform that improves services for residents, strengthens the rural tourism economy, and delivers better connectivity where it’s needed most.
After a busy start to the summer across the region and with a number of different elements of this programme now in full swing, the network and temporary masts are now in place, and work continues in the final stages of testing of the initial use cases to make sure everything works as intended before full launch.
In Windermere, the delivery team are providing an opportunity for interested parties to come along and view the new 5G technology being used at the Windermere Ferry on Friday 10th October 2025. Those interested are urged to keep this date free; further information and details of how to book your attendance will be made available in the September edition of this newsletter.
You can find out more about this programme by visiting the Borderlands 5G Innovation Region programme web page here and following this programme on LinkedIn here.
Online connectivity supporting the agricultural sector this summer
With many agricultural businesses across Cumbria already benefiting from improved digital infrastructure and as access to faster, more reliable services continues to expand, the Connecting Cumbria team are encouraging everyone to check what broadband and mobile connectivity is now available in their area.
Read the full story here.
What would you like to see in the Connecting Cumbria newsletter?
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
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