Super-fast fibre broadband extended to more parts of Carlisle
More households and businesses in Carlisle can now enjoy the benefits of
super-fast broadband.
The Connecting Cumbria project has made high-speed fibre broadband
available to further locations across the city and surrounding areas, including
Linstock and Rickerby.
More than 1,300 Carlisle properties have been switched on to fibre broadband
as part of Connecting Cumbria, and partners Cumbria County Council and BT have
confirmed that 11 more street-side cabinets in the city will be connected over the
coming months, providing access for an additional 500 properties.
To mark the expansion of the service in Carlisle, members of the Connecting
Cumbria project team will be in the city centre outside House of Fraser on
Wednesday, December 11, from 10am-3pm, to advise people about the benefits and
availability of super-fast broadband.
The new green cabinets are part of a wave of upgraded telecommunications
infrastructure being rolled out across Cumbria between now and the end of 2015. On
completion, some 93 per cent of Cumbrian properties will have access to faster fibre
broadband, with the remaining properties unable to benefit from fibre having access
to at least 2Mbps - making Cumbria one of the best connected places in Europe and
breaking down Britain's digital divide between rural and urban areas.
Across the county, fibre broadband is now available in Dalton, Lazonby,
Maryport, Penrith, Rockcliffe, Ulverston, Walney, Whitehaven and Workington.
In addition, Bardsea, Barrow and Cockermouth are next in line to be connected
shortly, with Allonby, Brampton, Harrington, Hayton, Southwaite and Wetheral
planned for early 2014.
Councillor David Southward, Cumbria County Council Cabinet member for
economic development, said: "It's great news that increasing numbers of Cumbrian
homes and businesses are benefiting from super-fast broadband.
"The roll-out is really gathering pace with a series of new cabinets going live right
across the county over the coming months, thanks to the significant investment
being made through the Connecting Cumbria project."
Paul Cretney, BT's project manager for Connecting Cumbria, said: “Whether
people are using the internet to do their Christmas shopping or stay in touch with
loved ones over the festive period, or local businesses contacting their customers
and suppliers at this busy time of the year and in the future, everything is made
easier, better and faster using fibre broadband.”
Households and businesses should be aware that upgrades to superfast broadband do not happen automatically and customers should contact their internet service provider to request the service. A choice of service providers is available, thereby ensuring competitive pricing, so customers are advised to shop around.
To find out about the latest areas to be switched on to super-fast broadband,
follow us on Twitter @Connect_Cumbria
Connecting Cumbria is in addition to BT’s commercial roll-out which will bring
faster fibre broadband within reach of 92,000 homes and businesses across
Cumbria by the end of Spring 2014 as part of its £2.5 billion investment
programme.
Notes for editors
The Connecting Cumbria Project will build upon BT and other providers’ existing commercial investment to ensure at least 93% of Cumbrian homes & businesses can access fibre broadband by the end of 2015, with the aspiration that all Cumbrian properties have speeds of at least 2Mbps.This includes working with some of Cumbria’s remotest communities to extend the fibre network through innovative community projects in the hardest to reach areas.
BT’s network will be open to all communications providers on an equal wholesale basis and so Cumbria consumers and businesses will benefit from a highly competitive market, in turn bringing greater choice and affordable prices.
About ERDF
The Department for Communities and Local Government is the managing authority for the European Regional Development Fund Programme, which is one of the funds established by the European Commission to help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support local businesses and create jobs. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/erdf-programmes-progress-and-achievements
About BDUK
Superfast Britain is a Government programme of investment in broadband and communication infrastructure across the UK. Run by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, this investment helps businesses to grow, creates jobs and will make Britain more competitive in the global race. The portfolio is comprised of three elements:
• £780m to extend superfast broadband to 95% of the UK by 2017
• £150m to provide high speed broadband to businesses in 22 cities
• £150m to improve quality and coverage of mobile phone and basic data network services
Administered on behalf of Government by Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK), Superfast Britain is transforming Britain by promoting growth, enabling skills and learning, and improving quality of life.
For further information: https://www.gov.uk/broadband-delivery-uk
