The Combined Authority Board
has approved funding
for a digital strategy to bring faster broadband and
better mobile coverage across Cambridgeshire and
Peterborough.
The approval also paves the
way for new 5G innovation opportunities across the region,
helping to accelerate real world trials and support emerging
technologies that rely on strong, reliable mobile
coverage.
In today's (28 January) meeting, the
Board approved an extension of the Connecting
Cambridgeshire Digital Connectivity Strategy to 2029.
Building on the success of the existing
programme,
the strategy will continue
to ensure the region has the
leading-edge digital connectivity infrastructure needed for
businesses and communities to thrive
and can continue to exceed connectivity
targets set by Government. This includes increasing
gigabit coverage from 92% to over
98%, delivering a 10% uplift in 4G
coverage and an additional 10km of
free public access wi-fi.
The current programme, which has
been funded and led by the Combined Authority,
in partnership with Cambridgeshire County Council since
2017, has already seen significant progress be made,
delivering the government's target of 85% gigabit-capable
broadband coverage a year before it was due, and
continues to exceed national average coverage
figures. Gigabit broadband is a benchmark for fast, capable
internet speeds. Achievements also included an
increase in 4G and 5G coverage across the
region.
Looking ahead, the
new strategy aims to eliminate gaps or ‘not
spots', pushing towards full fibre coverage across
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, ahead of
the Government target of 2030
for >99% coverage. 4G and 5G coverage will also
be boosted, with Connecting Cambridgeshire continuing to explore
options such as the deployment of mobile small cells to
boost connectivity in identified ‘not spot'
areas.
said: “Today's
decision from the Board marks a fresh milestone for better
digital connectivity in the region. Bringing good mobile coverage
and faster broadband to more people isn't just a
nice-to-have, it's essential for businesses and
communities, and for delivering our ambitious growth plan. Now we
have the full backing of my Board, it's time to crack
on with delivery.”
Sarah Marsh, Programme
Director for Connecting Cambridgeshire,
said: “Approval
of this funding enables the next phase of our digital
infrastructure work. Working with industry and local
partners, we'll be focusing on improving mobile
coverage, closing remaining gaps, and bringing faster broadband
to businesses and communities. This decision builds on the strong
foundations already in place to deliver the connectivity that
underpins economic growth and future development for the
region.”
Approval comes shortly after
the Mayor held a mobile roundtable in
partnership with Connecting Cambridgeshire. Joined by mobile
industry leaders and key stakeholders, the event aimed to
explore how improvements to mobile coverage will underpin
economic growth and support full development across the
region.
The Mayor wants to make
Cambridgeshire & Peterborough the UK's fastest growing local
economy outside the capital, as set out in the Local Growth Plan
launched before Christmas. Better broadband speed
and mobile coverage is central to the
plan.
It supports future housing
developments, business growth, and innovation across the
region.
