Cumbria is celebrating a major milestone: 80 per cent of properties now have access to gigabit-capable broadband, thanks to the combined efforts of Connecting Cumbria, Westmorland and Furness Council, Cumberland Council, and the UK Government Project Gigabit programme.
This achievement means faster, more reliable internet for thousands of homes, businesses, and community spaces.
Cllr Peter Thornton, Digital Champion for Westmorland and Furness Council, said: "After years of working to attract investment, it’s fantastic to see the benefits. From video calls with loved ones to virtual choirs, no one should feel left out this festive season."
Cllr Chris Southward, Cumberland Council’s Digital Champion, said: "Gigabit broadband isn’t just about speed—it’s about inclusion and opportunity. This Christmas, it means families can connect wherever they are."
Many people are already embracing the technology to unite virtually and keep connected, from residential care homes to choirs.
Karen Shepherd, manager of Elmhurst residential care home in Ulverston, says technology has had a positive impact on residents keeping in touch with family and friends. She said: “During Covid, a family member used a Portal device to stay in touch daily from the Isle of Man. Each unit here now has a device, still in regular use today, helping keep in touch with family and friends around the world. It’s been a lifeline for maintaining those important connections.
“Our service users often struggle to understand conversations over the phone, and both they and their relatives feel reassured when they can see each other.”
Charlotte Jackson, choral leader at Lyris for Women, said: “Our choirs and lessons create a welcoming space where voices connect, confidence grows, and isolation fades. This Christmas, we celebrate the joy of togetherness—because when we sing, even virtually, something magical happens.”
This roll-out is transforming lives—supporting remote healthcare, online education, and stronger social connections—while driving economic growth across Cumbria.
Connecting Cumbria
The Connecting Cumbria team works on behalf of Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council to deliver the Cumbria Digital Infrastructure Strategy for fixed line and mobile broadband with the aim that no one and no place will be left behind.
Find out more about Connecting Cumbria.
UK Government Project Gigabit Programme
Project Gigabit is the government's programme to enable hard to reach communities to access fast, reliable gigabit-capable broadband.
Find out more about the UK Government Project Gigabit programme.
ThinkBroadband
Thinkbroadband is a trusted source for broadband statistics and data in the UK, tracking broadband coverage and performance since 2012. Thinkbroadband also offers tools for consumers to track their broadband performance and provides commercial data services for businesses.