Connecting Cumbria calls for even more people to take up improved broadband services

Thousands of residents and businesses in Cumbria now have the opportunity to access faster broadband connections than ever before, and many already have a plan for what they will do when they can access even better speeds. However, some people may not fully appreciate the benefits of superfast broadband to a home or business or may have not realised what they need to do to access improved services.

A superfast broadband connection provides a faster and more reliable internet connection, enabling multiple users within a home or business to access the internet, download documents, music and video and stream high-definition television without buffering – things that may not be possible with a standard broadband connection. Through a combination of the work delivered by the Connecting Cumbria programme, and works carried out by commercial providers, approximately 94% of properties in Cumbria can currently access superfast broadband services above 30Mbps download. Many residents and businesses have chosen to upgrade their services and are already benefitting from superfast broadband but there are still many more who could benefit from improved connections.

Cumbria County Council’s ‘Connecting Cumbria’ programme is encouraging more people to take up their services to access quicker broadband speeds, helping to make people and businesses feel more connected, as well as benefitting the local economy through a more efficient and reliable digital network.

Upgrading to superfast broadband is not automatic – customers need to contact their chosen service provider to upgrade to fibre-based broadband, and the council urges people to shop around for the best deal – or to contact the Connecting Cumbria programme team directly to find out what services and opportunities to improve connectivity are available in their local area.

Examples of the benefits of superfast broadband to local residents and businesses, as well as information on how to access improved speeds through Connecting Cumbria, are available on the website – www.connectingcumbria.org.uk

The Connecting Cumbria programme’s aim is to continue improving the digital services and opportunities available in Cumbria, and as more people take up services to improve their connectivity, the greater the benefit to the whole county’s digital infrastructure.

Take up of infrastructure improvement services delivered through Connecting Cumbria also triggers a payback of funding to the council for reinvestment in further digital connectivity improvements.

So far, £2.5m has already been reinvested in delivering superfast broadband services to rural and low-speed areas. The Connecting Cumbria team is developing proposals to use further funding to support the delivery of futureproof gigabit-capable broadband in other low speed areas across the county.

Cllr David Southward, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said:

“The value of fast broadband connections to businesses and homes in Cumbria cannot be overstated. Tourism, the food retail industry, and many other small businesses need quick and reliable connections so that instead of having to search endlessly for customers, the customers find them. Connecting Cumbria has helped thousands of local people and businesses benefit from improved broadband speeds, and now we want to reach even more people and continue building a reliable and efficient network that benefits our local economy and helps people to stay connected.”

For more information on Connecting Cumbria and how to access improved broadband speeds, visit www.connectingcumbria.org.uk or email info@connectingcumbria.org.uk