MP calls on Cumbria to bid for further broadband cash

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has called on Cumbria County Council to bid for part of a new £10m pot, which aims to pilot alternative broadband technologies to help hook up the most remote areas to broadband.

The £10 million fund will be available to alternative technology providers who come forward with innovative ideas to help superfast broadband reach Britain's most remote communities. The fund will open on March 17 and will be led by new Broadband Delivery programme chief executive Chris Townsend, with local authorities encouraged to support pilot projects.

Townsend was formerly the commercial director of the London Organising Committee for the 2012 Olympics

Potential technologies that could be piloted under the new fund for remote areas include:

• Using 4G mobile signal to deliver 'fixed wireless' superfast broadband.
• Using fibre direct to premises.
• Taking fibre from broadband cabinets to a distribution point further down the network, increasing speeds by reducing the reliance on copper.
• Satellite technology.

Tim said: "I have lobbied the Government to make sure that no community is left behind and that extra funds are offered to make this possible. However the funding, whilst welcome, is small and I will keep pressing for more funding to be allocated.

"But together we need to work and focus on the hardest to reach communities and I hope that Cumbria will bid for some of this funding and help make sure every community gets broadband."