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Welcome to Hyperfast GB – through this newsletter we would like to give you information and updates on our rollout plans for bringing full fibre broadband to rural communities through Project Gigabit.
Project Gigabit investment is revolutionising connectivity in rural areas by extending gigabit-capable full fibre broadband infrastructure to homes and businesses which don’t have access to meaningful broadband services.
See Hyperfast GB – Connecting Rural Communities for more information.
Hyperfast GB postcode checker
We now have a postcode checker live on the Hyperfast GB website, this means that residents can check if their address is included in the Hyperfast GB project. Those with further questions can then use our enquiry form to reach us directly.
Hyperfast GB Network Progress
Over the past 12 months, Hyperfast GB has delivered a full-fibre broadband network to almost 4,000 homes and businesses in rural communities across Cumbria with a further 6,000 connections expected to be ready for service by the end of 2024. Meaning that more businesses can enjoy access to gigabit-capable broadband services and more employees can work from home and raise their families in rural communities; bringing greater vitality and opportunities into the heart of the countryside.
The Rebuild Site
Pictured: Helen, Neil, Libby and Maise from Rebuild
As we build the Hyperfast GB network across Cumbria, we are careful to use our resources wisely and to minimise waste. However, there are instances where we have off-cuts of fibreoptic cable or ducting left over on a reel. We are delighted to be working in partnership with The Rebuild Site, based at Kingmoor Park near Carlisle to repurpose our surplus build materials. The Rebuild Site is a Community Interest Company, set up by Emma Porter in response to the issue of waste from the construction industry. More information is available on their website, https://www.rebuildsite.co.uk/.
Work Experience Opportunities
The Hyperfast GB project is keen to hear from young people between the ages of 16 & 18 who are looking for a week of work experience. As part of our social value commitments, we want to share our skills and experience with young people who are looking for an insight into project management and business administration. We are offering a one-week programme for up to two students at a time at our Newton Rigg base. Anybody with an interest in joining us should make contact on enquire@hyperfastgb.com or via the contact form on our website, www.hyperfastgb.com.
Community Meetings
Over the winter months the Hyperfast GB Stakeholder Engagement Team have been out and about across Cumbria, meeting with communities to let them know what they can expect as we build a new fibreoptic network to their properties. We have met with residents in Warwick Bridge, Flookburgh and Gilsland, as well as speaking to members of the Nation Farmers Union in Penrith, Kendal and Ulverston. We have future meetings planned in Caldbeck, St Bees and Cockermouth. Please keep an eye on the events page of our website for further details, https://hyperfastgb.com/news/.
Understanding the challenges
Building a full fibre broadband network across Cumbria is not without its challenges. Where possible we seek to use existing infrastructure; ducting and poles belonging to Openreach. Before we finalise our build design, we need to ensure that this existing infrastructure is useable, sadly this often means we have to apply for a road closure to access manholes in the carriageway. In these instances we will do all we can to minimise disruption to residents and businesses. You can view all planned road closures across Cumbria on the One Network website here https://one.network/ , this platform has a view for today, next two weeks, next three months and next twelve months.
Fibrus community fund
Hyperfast GB is working alongside Cumbria Community Foundation to deliver £212,000 Fibrus Community Fund to organisations across Cumbria. In the last financial year we allocated £60,000 of funding. Projects have included a new projector for a scout group, funding for cyber security training for a school fundraising group and a digital inclusion session for older adults. Grant awards have typically been around £2000 with 35 applications supported.
The next round of applications is expected to open later this month. More information can be found online here, https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/fibrus-community-fund-cumbria/.
Show schedule 2024
Cumberland Show – Sat 8th June, Warwick on Eden https://www.cumberlandshow.co.uk/
Cockermouth Show – Sat 3rd August, Low Road, Cockermouth https://cockermouthshow.co.uk/
Gilsland Show – Sunday 4th August, Gilsland (booking carried over from last year)
Westmorland County Show – 11th & 12th Sept, Crooklands
Skelton Show – Saturday 6th July, Hutton in the Forrest