Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumberland Council have launched the Cumbria Digital Infrastructure Strategy 2026–2030, building on the success of the previous 2020-2025 strategy, setting out a bold plan to deliver world-class digital connectivity and support Cumbria’s £12 billion economy.
The strategy aims to support delivery of gigabit-capable broadband, improved mobile coverage, and 5G innovation opportunities with the aim that no one and no place in Cumbria is left behind. The strategy action plan will focus on making Cumbria’s voice heard, supporting public or commercially funded investment into Cumbria, developing
Cumbria’s own interventions to go beyond UK targets and monitoring future developments in technology.
Cllr Peter Thornton, Digital Champion for Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “Ongoing improvements to
Cumbria’s digital infrastructure are critical to delivering the Cumbria Economic Strategy, boosting productivity, and supporting public services. Adopting the Digital Infrastructure Strategy 2026–2030 gives us a clear framework to drive these improvements and enable programmes that depend on strong digital connectivity.”
Cllr Chris Southward, Cumberland Council’s Digital Champion, said: “Digital infrastructure is absolutely vital for Cumbria. It underpins everything Cumberland Council aims to achieve by supporting the delivery of essential services, education, business growth, leisure opportunities, and ensuring social inclusion for all our communities.”
Find out more about this strategy at the Connecting Cumbria website.