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Hyperfast GB is the home for information on the progress of our network build contract under Project Gigabit – the UK government’s £5 billion programme enabling hard to reach communities to access full fibre broadband.

Under a £108 million broadband improvement contract for Cumbria, Hyperfast GB will bring lightning-fast gigabit-capable broadband services to almost 60,000 homes and businesses.

Broughton in Furness including Coniston, Foxfield, Ulpha and Trover are the next areas to benefit from the project – we are hosting an information evening for residents:

Tuesday 1st October 2024 at 7pm at Victory Hall, 4 Station Road Broughton-in-Furness LA20 6HN

BOOK TICKETS HERE:

Hyperfast GB Information Event – Tuesday 1st October

(please contact us in advance if you have mobility issues or dietary requirements as refreshments will be served)

Hyperfast GB is the home for information on the progress of our network build contract under Project Gigabit – the UK government’s £5 billion programme enabling hard to reach communities to access full fibre broadband.

Under a £108 million broadband improvement contract for Cumbria, Hyperfast GB will bring lightning-fast gigabit-capable broadband services to almost 60,000 homes and businesses.

Cockermouth including Thornthwaite, Low and High Lorton, Embelton, Dovenby, Tallentire, Bassenthwaite and Deanscales are the next areas to benefit from the project – we are hosting an information evening for residents:

Wednesday 16th October 2024 at 7pm at Embelton Public Hall, Embelton, CA13 9Yp

BOOK TICKETS HERE:

Hyperfast GB Information Event – Wednesday 16th October

(please contact us in advance if you have mobility issues or dietary requirements as refreshments will be served)

Hyperfast GB is the home for information on the progress of our network build contract under Project Gigabit – the UK government’s £5 billion programme enabling hard to reach communities to access full fibre broadband.

Under a £108 million broadband improvement contract for Cumbria, Hyperfast GB will bring lightning-fast gigabit-capable broadband services to almost 60,000 homes and businesses.

Hesket including Wreay, Durdar, Low and High Hesket and Southwait are the next areas to benefit from the project – we are hosting an information evening for residents:

Wednesday 18th September 2024 at 7pm at Low Hesket Village Hall, Southwait Rd, Low Hesket, Carlisle, CA40ES

BOOK TICKETS HERE:

Hyperfast GB Information Event – Wednesday 18th September

(please contact us in advance if you have mobility issues or dietary requirements as refreshments will be served)

Hyperfast GB is the home for information on the progress of our network build contract under Project Gigabit – the UK government’s £5 billion programme enabling hard to reach communities to access full fibre broadband.

Under a £108 million broadband improvement contract for Cumbria, Hyperfast GB will bring lightning-fast gigabit-capable broadband services to almost 60,000 homes and businesses.

Roadhead and Longtown including Rockcliffe, Kirkandrews on Eden, Kirklinton and Scaleby are the next areas to benefit from the project – we are hosting an information evening for residents:

Wednesday 14th August 2024 at 7pm in The Rockcliffe Centre, Rockcliffe, Carlisle, CA6 4AA

Or

Wednesday 4th September 2024 at 7pm in Nicholforest Village Hall, Warwicksland, Penton CA6 5QD

BOOK TICKETS HERE:

Hyperfast GB Information Event – Wednesday 14th August

Hyperfast GB Information Event – Wednesday 4th September 

 

(please contact us in advance if you have mobility issues or dietary requirements as refreshments will be served)

Hyperfast GB is a government subsidised project to bring full-fibre broadband to rural communities across Cumbria. Over the next three years, this major infrastructure programme will build the network for up to 60,000 homes and businesses across the County. We want to offer a work experience  placement for a week to 16 – 18 year olds studying in Cumbria.  We can accept two students on each week.  The date for the week is flexible around your educational establishment’s scheduled work experience week.

Where will this happen?

The week’s programme will be hosted at our site at Newton Rigg in Penrith and students will need to be able to get themselves to the site for 9am, departing at 5pm each day.  The full programme will be delivered from the Newton Rigg site – Viberoptix GB.

What will I be doing during the week?

• You will be working alongside our Stakeholder Engagement Team learning about business administration as well as project and contract management.  We have developed a programme for the week which will give you an insight into the different aspects of our work and that of the teams we work alongside.
• We will introduce you to how we manage enquiries, plan our network, understanding of contracts, obligations and reporting. You will also get chance to meet other stakeholders such as local authorities.
• We will introduce you to health and safety and risk management and involve you in our events coordination and marketing process.
• Experience using MS Word, Excel and Powerpoint would be useful but not essential
• We will give you an insight into our apprenticeship offer at Newton Rigg
• We won’t be sending you out on site to do any civil engineering work, the entire week will be based at Newton Rigg.

What will I need to bring with me?

• We have tea and coffee making facilities on site, along with a fully equipped kitchen.  There is no cafeteria on site so you will need to bring your lunch and any snacks with you.
• You will need to bring an interest in learning about project and contract management along with business administration.
• The work experience will be interactive and you will work closely with members of the Stakeholder Engagement team so this week will be excellent if you have an interest in communication & marketing, business administration, project management or customer engagement, you will gain benefit from the week.
• We promise not to make you fill in spreadsheets all week although we would like you to record the lessons you learn from the week and will ensure you have the time to do this while you are with us.

How do I apply?

If you are interest in joining us for work experience week then please contact enquire@hyperfastgb.com and provide your CV along with a covering letter about why you would like to join us.

If you have any further questions about this opportunity, then please contact Libby Bateman on libby.bateman@fibrus.com.

 

Hyperfast GB is the home for information on the progress of our network build contract under Project Gigabit – the UK government’s £5 billion programme enabling hard to reach communities to access full fibre broadband.

Under a £108 million broadband improvement contract for Cumbria, Hyperfast GB will bring lightning-fast gigabit-capable broadband services to almost 60,000 homes and businesses.

Gosforth is the next area to benefit from the project – we are hosting an information evening for residents:

Tuesday 23rd July

7pm

Gosforth Public Hall

BOOK TICKETS HERE:

Hyperfast GB Information Event – Gosforth 

(please contact us in advance if you have mobility issues or dietary requirements as refreshments will be served)

Hyperfast GB and Fibrus are committed to enhancing community development through direct sponsorship. Whether it’s supporting vibrant village halls, dynamic Scout groups, or impactful small community projects, our tailored funding aims to foster local initiatives across the county. This is your chance to make a difference — learn how to apply and join us in our journey of community enrichment.

In the heart of every community in Cumbria lies the untapped potential for growth, connection, and shared success. At Hyperfast GB, powered by Fibrus robust fibre optics infrastructure, we believe in the power of local initiatives to transform these communities. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce our new community sponsorship programme, a venture aimed at providing tangible support to the grassroots movements that keep the spirit of our counties vibrant and alive.

Empowering Local Heroes: Our Sponsorship Programme
Our commitment goes beyond providing high-speed internet; it extends into the heart of community engagement and support. We understand that local projects, from the cultural beacon of a village hall to the adventurous spirit of Scout groups, form the backbone of community life. These initiatives offer more than activities; they provide a sense of belonging, learning, and growth.
To aid in this noble cause, we’ve established a dedicated sponsorship fund, specifically designed to assist small community projects that are already making waves in their local areas. The beauty of this programme lies in its simplicity and impact: by offering a modest pot of cash, we aim to give these projects the boost they need to expand their reach, enhance their offerings, and enrich the lives of community members.

How Can You Benefit?
Are you involved with a local initiative in need of a helping hand? Whether it’s upgrading facilities, purchasing new equipment, or funding a community event, our sponsorship could be the wind beneath your wings. Applying is straightforward, with a clear focus on projects that show a tangible benefit to the community.
This sponsorship is designed to be inclusive and accessible, reflecting our commitment to fostering diverse and thriving local ecosystems. It’s an invitation to all community champions who are seeking that extra support to propel their projects to new heights.

Spread the Word: A Call to Action
We’re on a mission to spread the word across Cumbria, ensuring that every community has the opportunity to benefit from our programme. But we can’t do it alone — we need your help to reach out to potential applicants and inform them about this chance to enhance their community projects.

The Journey Ahead
This blog marks the beginning of an exciting series where we’ll spotlight the remarkable initiatives that have benefited from our sponsorships. These stories will not only celebrate their successes but also inspire others to take the leap and apply for support.

In conclusion, at Hyperfast GB and Fibrus, we are more than just service providers; we are community builders and local supporters. Our new sponsorship programme reflects our unwavering commitment to the places we serve and the people we empower. We invite you to join us in this journey of community empowerment — because together, we can create a brighter, more connected future for all.

To learn more about the application process and how you can make a
difference in your community, visit our contact page today.

What to Include in Your Application:
• A brief description of your project and its impact on the community.
• How the sponsorship funds will be used and the expected outcomes.
• Your project’s history, goals, and community feedback.

We’re excited to see how your projects will continue to shape the heart of our communities. Stay tuned for our upcoming blogs, where we’ll dive deeper into the stories of those who’ve already made significant strides with our support. Let’s build a stronger, more connected Cumbria together!

Hyperfast GB is the home for information on the progress of our network build contract under Project Gigabit – the UK government’s £5 billion programme enabling hard to reach communities to access full fibre broadband.

Under a £108 million broadband improvement contract for Cumbria, Hyperfast GB will bring lightning-fast gigabit-capable broadband services to almost 60,000 homes and businesses.

Ullswater including Watermillock, Greystoke, Matterdale and Pooley Bridge  is the next area to benefit from the project – we are hosting an information evening for residents:

Thursday 27th June

2 – 3.30pm

5 – 6.30pm

Watermillock Village Hall

BOOK TICKETS HERE:

Hyperfast GB Information Event – Ullswater 2pm Session

Hyperfast GB Information Event – Ullswater 5pm Session

(please contact us in advance if you have mobility issues or dietary requirements as refreshments will be served)

Hyperfast GB is the home for information on the progress of our network build contract under Project Gigabit – the UK government’s £5 billion programme enabling hard to reach communities to access full fibre broadband.

Under a £108 million broadband improvement contract for Cumbria, Hyperfast GB will bring lightning-fast gigabit-capable broadband services to almost 60,000 homes and businesses.

St. Bees is the next area to benefit from the project – we are hosting an information evening for residents:

Tuesday 21st May at 7pm

St. Bees Village Hall – CA27 0BN

BOOK TICKETS HERE:

Hyperfast GB Information Event – St.Bees,  Tue 21st May 2024 at 19:00 | Eventbrite

(please contact us in advance if you have mobility issues or dietary requirements as refreshments will be served)

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