Connecting Cumbria Newsletter - Special FAQ Edition
Welcome to the September 2025 edition of the Connecting Cumbria newsletter.
This edition addresses some of the most frequently asked questions received by the team, directing readers to information sources and providing clarity on the issues which matter to them the most. We also provide details on the Borderlands 5G Innovation Region programme event at the Windermere Ferry on Friday 10th October and talk to Wallace Currie, of the Rural2Kitchen podcast, about his support for Cumbria’s Digital Infrastructure Strategy.
If you have any questions regarding online connectivity which are not covered in this issue of our newsletter, then please flag these with the team at info@connectingcumbria.org.uk.
What are the benefits of improved connectivity to my premise?
Improved connectivity to your premise creates a faster connection, enables you to use more than one device within the property, provides a stable and reliable service with no buffering and future proofs your service for years to come.
So, with a change in the weather across Cumbria and autumn firmly on its way, why not use this as a prompt to look into the connectivity options available to your premise. Search connectingcumbria.org.uk for more information.
Can you tell me more about the UK Government Project Gigabit programme?
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 (operating as Hyperfast GB to carry out works under this contract) which continues to deploy across Cumbria.
To find out more about Project Gigabit deployment across our county, and find out if your premise will benefit from improvements brought by this programme, please visit the Hyperfast GB website and the Hyperfast GB Facebook page.
Is there any commercial deployment happening across Cumbria?
Commercial deployment, which will often target both residential and business premises, is work that a company is paying for out of their own funds and not using public funding. As part of the UK Government target of expanding gigabit capable broadband to 99% of UK properties by 2032, development of large commercial deployment programmes and increased competition in the commercial broadband market has been strongly encouraged. In Cumbria there are a number of commercial programmes of works which continue to be delivered across Cumbria with works expected to continue for the next few years.
You can find out which companies are currently offering enhanced services in your area using the Ofcom broadband checker tool. Several market towns in Cumbria are being targeted by different competing commercial broadband networks so in these areas there has never been a better time to shop around for the package that suits your needs the most.
Commercial plans, and their deployment, is an evolving picture which continues to be monitored across Cumbria. Much of the data is strictly regulated and heavily caveated as it is commercially sensitive. Part of the role of the Connecting Cumbria team is to monitor the delivery of commercial programmes to ensure that if a property is not reached through these deployments, that they are not left behind by the UK Government Project Gigabit programme, or that a solution is still developed to meet their connectivity needs through some other means.
My property isn’t currently expected to benefit from the UK Government Project Gigabit deployment and there are no known commercial plans happening in my area, where does that leave me?
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 able to be incorporated into the contract between UK Government and their supplier Fibrus.
Connecting Cumbria is committed to the aim of ‘no one and no place in Cumbria is left behind’ in terms of online connectivity and we are currently working with UK Government and other partners to develop options for addressing properties in this situation.
Options currently available and being developed are:
- Working with your community and a supplier to develop a voucher-based project to expand gigabit services. You can find out more information on voucher-based projects here - Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme information - GOV.UK. Please note, this website will indicate, incorrectly, that properties in Cumbria are not able to access new voucher projects but new and expanded voucher projects are being considered by suppliers such as B4RN and Openreach.
- Connecting Cumbria are in the process of developing a ‘Connecting Cumbria Very Hard To Reach programme’ which will have the potential to improve connectivity to rural properties that currently don’t have a planned solution. We are hopeful to have more details of proposals for this in 2026.
- You might also consider investigating alternative technologies such as 4G home internet or satellite while waiting for further intervention options to be developed. Ofcom provide information on some of the options available via their website - https://www.ofcom.org.uk/internet-based-services/technology/emerging-technologies-shaping-future-of-communications.
Readers are urged to monitor the Connecting Cumbria website connectingcumbria.org.uk for any further updates as they become available.
How can I check the mobile connectivity options available in my area?
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, from which networks 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.
Can you tell me more about the Borderlands 5G Innovation Region programme?
The Borderlands 5G Innovation Region programme is working to deploy advanced wireless infrastructure to some of the UK’s most remote and beautiful tourist destinations with a goal of creating a platform for long-term growth. The programme aims to improve services for residents, strengthen the rural tourism economy, and deliver better connectivity where it’s needed most.
The first tranche of work associated with this programme is deploying private 5G networks, sensors and cutting-edge applications at the following locations:
- The Crook Inn, Destination Tweed
- Kielder Castle and Observatory
- Stranraer Marina and Loch Ryan
- Windermere Ferry
The programme is not about replacing consumer mobile services or competing with the existing mobile networks but rather about connecting together new innovative use cases and technology that will assist in things like environmental monitoring, operation of public services, capacity management, enhancement of visitor experience and improving public safety.
With a number of different elements of this programme in full swing, the network and temporary masts are now in place and the delivery team are continuing to work on the final stages of testing of the initial use cases to make sure everything works as intended before full launch.
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.
Are you able to give me more information on the Borderlands 5G Innovation Region Windermere Open Day?
The Connecting Cumbria team and delivery team at Windermere are providing an opportunity for interested parties to come along and view first-hand how the new 5G technology is being used at the Ferry on Friday 10th October 2025.
With two short informal sessions available to book on a first come/first serve basis, those interested in attending are urged to confirm their place at this event as soon as possible using the Eventbrite links below:
Session 1 - 10:00 am – 11:30am session
Session 2 - 12:30pm – 2:00pm session
If you have any questions, then please do not hesitate to contact the team at info@connectingcumbria.org.uk
Will I be affected by the switch off of the UK’s 3G mobile network?
The UK's mobile services currently use four difference 'generations' of mobile technology: 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G. The 3G networks have been around since 2003 and are used to deliver calls, texts and lower speed data services.
The mobile providers have decided to switch off their 3G networks, a process which began at the start of this year, to free up radio spectrum for new networks and switch to more environmentally sensitive technologies.
This will affect customers on those networks using older mobile devices and services. If you have a 4G or 5G mobile device or service, this change is unlikely to affect you. Some 4G devices might still need a software or settings update to ensure any calls you make use the right network. Your provider will tell you if that’s the case and explain how to make the updates needed.
Find out more here
What can you tell me about the move of landline phones to digital technology?
The technology that many people use to make landline phone calls is being upgraded over the next few years.
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 and therefore needs to be replaced.
Replacing the PSTN will ensure we continue to have reliable home phone services.
In order for this upgrade to be successful, there are a number of points which continue to be considered. The Which article on digital voice and the landline phone switch off provides some useful information on this. Note, if you use assistive technology, such as fall alarms, we would encourage you to contact your service provider to understand their plans for the transition.
My village hall or community building wishes to offer Wi-Fi access to users, how do I go about this?
Village halls and community buildings are increasingly looking to offer broadband and Wi-Fi access to their users to support a range of community activities and to enhance the facilities offered as a venue for hire.
Connecting Cumbria have produced this short guide to support those seeking to improve digital connectivity in village halls and community buildings. This can be viewed here.
How can I learn more about the placing of telegraph poles supporting broadband deployment?
UK Government Cabinet Siting and Pole Siting Code of Practice can be found here. This voluntary code of practice has been developed by telecoms providers and interested parties in support of pole siting across the UK.
In addition to this, readers may be interested to read advice from UK Parliament on the rules around telegraph poles deployed as part of broadband networks - broadband companies and telegraph poles. This advice covers whether broadband companies need to consult with planning authorities and residents, and whether they should install cables underground or utilise existing infrastructure instead.
Any concerns regarding the workmanship of the placing of poles should be raised via:
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
Can you tell me more about social tariffs?
Social tariffs are cheaper broadband and phone packages for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits. Some providers call them ‘essential’ or ‘basic’ broadband.
These tariffs are delivered in the same way as normal packages, just at a lower price.
You can find out more about social tariffs here.
Is there a way to improve call quality on my handheld device without a decent mobile signal?
Some mobile providers offer Wi-Fi calling. This allows you to connect to your broadband service to make calls, as well as making them over the mobile network, massively increasing the quality and reliability of calls made inside your property.
Wi-Fi calling is available on a range of smartphones and allows you to use your phone seamlessly without needing to download and use separate apps. You might need to contact your mobile provider, or adjust your phone’s settings, to activate the service.
You can find out more about this and other suggested Ofcom considerations should you be finding it difficult to get a good mobile signal indoors here.
Rural2Kitchen – showing support for Cumbria’s Digital Infrastructure Strategy
The Connecting Cumbria team attended a recent North Sheep Association event where we had the pleasure of meeting Wallace of the Rural2Kitchen podcast on the UK Agri-Tech Centre stand.
We talked to Wallace about the importance of online connectivity in supporting what he does, and his support for Cumbria’s Digital Infrastructure Strategy which is seeking to ensure no one and no place is left behind in terms of online connectivity.
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
Shout out to Cumbria based businesses
We have had the pleasure of talking to a great array of businesses lately about the benefits of online connectivity in supporting what they do and look forward to sharing their stories with you over the coming months.
If your business is using fixed line or mobile connectivity to support what it does and you would be interested in becoming one of our future case study stories, 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.
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.