As autumn arrives, Connecting Cumbria, working on behalf of Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumberland Council, is encouraging residents and businesses to explore digital upgrades as connectivity improves across the county through public and commercial investment.
Thanks to record levels of funding, Cumbria’s digital infrastructure is evolving rapidly. These improvements are opening doors to new ways of living, working, and connecting. Just like the season itself, it’s a time of change, growth, and preparation for the future.
Over 96 per cent of homes and businesses across the county now have access to superfast broadband speeds exceeding 30Mbps, with an impressive 80 per cent able to connect to futureproof gigabit-speed services. The expansion of future proof digital infrastructure is helping communities stay connected, work smarter, and unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation.
There are also growing opportunities to take advantage of improved mobile connectivity across the county. Current outdoor 4G coverage levels are impressive with over 94 per cent of the area covered by at least one mobile provider, and 77 per cent enjoying coverage from all major UK networks. This means more homes and businesses can stay connected on the go.
Cllr Peter Thornton, Digital Champion for Digital Infrastructure, Westmorland and Furness, said: “There is a lot going on in Westmorland and Furness right now with so much happening to connect homes and businesses. The increased levels of investment we’ve seen to install digital infrastructure is remarkable. What’s even more exciting is that this work isn’t slowing down. It’s continuing with even more installations, allowing more communities and businesses to benefit.”
“As we head into autumn and the colder months, it’s more important than ever for businesses to tap into the online tools and services available to them. We’re lucky to have so many great local businesses offering autumnal gifts, experiences, and services. Getting online helps them reach the right audiences, boost bookings, and increase sales. It’s a powerful way to stay visible and thrive.”
Elenor Chetwynd-Knagg of Nature Makers Cumbria South said: “I believe online connectivity is essential for people of all ages supporting social interaction, learning, and access to information. It enables communication, opens up educational opportunities, and can positively impact mental health and wellbeing. By helping individuals connect with others and discover activities like those we offer, it fosters a greater sense of engagement and belonging.”
“Rural Cumbria is full of potential, and thanks to improved connectivity across the county, local businesses are now better equipped than ever to showcase their strengths and reach wider audiences. Enhanced digital infrastructure is helping unlock new opportunities, allowing us to thrive, collaborate, and grow no matter where we are based.”
“Strong online connectivity might not be the first thing people associate with Cumbria but it is here, it is reliable, and it is making a real impact. For businesses like Nature Makers, it opens up new possibilities and empowers us to showcase what we have to offer, while working in far more efficient and effective ways.”
Cllr Chris Southward, Cumberland Council’s Cabinet Member for Digital Connectivity and Customer Focus and Digital Champion, said: “As we move into autumn, it’s fantastic to see how far digital connectivity has come on across the Cumberland area. The progress has been remarkable, and it’s making a real difference in helping businesses run more smoothly and enabling residents to stay better connected. The impact is real and it continues to grow”.
“This is a brilliant time to take stock. With ongoing work to enhance connectivity even further, I’d encourage everyone, especially as we head into the busy autumn and winter months, to explore what’s available to them. A stronger connection can transform how you work, learn, and engage with your community. It’s about making the most of the season and the tools that help us thrive.”
Kate Knight of Seascale-based Stephney Farm Pumpkin Patch said: “Being able to get online is so important to many aspects of our business and day to day life here at Stephney Farm. We live in an age where it is essential to our businesses, our education, and our home life to be able to access a decent online connection.
“The investment in gigabit connectivity is really important for our county and hopefully it will leave us in a great position when it comes to what we are able to access and do online for years to come”.
“The benefits of online connectivity to rural business are significant. It has allowed us to market our business, operate in more efficient ways, access digital tools to support what we do and enabled our business to grow. It is definitely worth reaching out to find out what is available to you”.
The Connecting Cumbria team continues to focus on improving digital infrastructure across the county by:
- Supporting the UK Government’s Project Gigabit contract with Fibrus, which is working to deliver gigabit-capable broadband to over 58,000 properties across Cumbria by 2027. Services will be available on this infrastructure under the brand Hyperfast G;
- Monitoring and encouraging commercial gigabit broadband rollout. Based on current plans and the Project Gigabit rollout, gigabit coverage in Cumbria is expected to exceed 97 per cent of properties by 2028;
- Helping communities access voucher-funded projects to deliver gigabit broadband in hard-to-reach areas where commercial providers or Project Gigabit won’t reach. Connecting Cumbria also provides ‘top-up’ funding for properties with download speeds under 30Mbps;
- Supporting improvements to 4G coverage, including working with the UK Government’s Shared Rural Network programme, which aims to deliver 95 per cent outdoor geographical 4G coverage from at least one provider by 2025, and 84 per cent from all networks;
- Driving investment through the Borderlands Partnership, a cross-border initiative promoting sustainable economic growth across the South of Scotland and the North of England. This includes support for the Borderlands 5G Innovation Region, one of 10 regions across the UK to receive funding from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
For more information about broadband and mobile connectivity in your area, or to find out what services are available to you, contact: info@connectingcumbria.org.uk.