Cumbria’s £108m fast-fibre roll-out begins 

Belfast-based Fibrus has been selected to deliver Project Gigabit, aimed at providing super-fast broadband in rural locations. 

The £108m project will benefit 60,000 rural properties across Cumbria, aiming to eradicate internet blackspots in hard-to-reach areas. 

As part of the project, Fibrus has committed to establishing an apprentice training academy at Newton Rigg near Penrith. 

“It is a privilege to deliver a transformative project for Cumbria that will change the lives of people living in rural and regional areas,” said Dominic Kearns, chief executive of Fibrus. 

“Fibrus is committed to supporting local communities…this win helps us further our mission and commitment to bring fast, reliable and affordable broadband to all.” 

The Cumbria scheme is part of the government’s £5bn Project Gigabit initiative. Other areas that have already seen investment as part of the project include Northumberland and Teesdale in the North East. 

“We’re steaming ahead with our plan to level up internet speeds across Cumbria,” said Michelle Donelan, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. 

“Tens of thousands of rural homes and businesses will be able to plug into faster connections in the new network, allowing Cumbrian communities to take full advantage of the endless benefits lightning-fast broadband has to offer.” 

By the end of 2025, the government is targeting 85% of the UK to have gigabit-capable connectivity, with as close to 100% as soon as possible thereafter. The figure currently stands at 72%.