Ultrafast broadband arrives in South Lakes villages

Local MP Tim Farron visited Crosthwaite on Friday to celebrate the arrival of ultrafast broadband to three South Lakeland villages. He said it will provide a "major boost" to local residents and businesses, and called on the government to do more to help connect rural communities.

Around 480 households and businesses in Crosthwaite, Underbarrow and Brigsteer will now have access to some of the fastest broadband speeds in Cumbria. The ultrafast fibre broadband can provide speeds of up to 330Mbps, using 'Fibre to the Premises' (FTTP) technology. It is thought to be the largest deployment of FTTP technology in Cumbria.

The communities were connected as part of the Connecting Cumbria project - a partnership between Cumbria County Council and BT. Further ultrafast fibre broadband will be brought to the surrounding area during Summer and Autumn 2017.

Tim said: "This is great news for these villages. Access to top quality broadband is not only important for local residents, it is also vital for our local economy. It enables businesses based in villages in rural Cumbria to connect to the global economy, reaching new markets and helping to support local jobs.

"Investing in broadband infrastructure will give a real boost to the local economy. It is vital that ultrafast broadband continues to be rolled out across our area, so that we can compete on the international stage."