Strategy for Connecting Cumbria through Superfast Broadband

Why is Superfast Broadband important? Provides choice in how we : –communicate –access public services –do business – becoming more efficient –access education –access entertainment –shop

Our Vision That everyone in Cumbria – every resident, business, organisation and visitor to the county – has access to Superfast Broadband At least 90% of properties in the county have access to Superfast Broadband by 2015 (headline speed of at least 25 mbps)

What will this mean for Cumbria? Better access to services, and they will be delivered more effectively and efficiently Improved competitiveness and productivity of Cumbrian businesses supporting economic growth Better links and communications within and between communities

We will (1) Focus available public funding on reaching those areas that the market won’t reach by itself Stimulate demand Work with local communities to deliver the final connectivity to homes and businesses where the final ‘door to door’ service is not easily achievable by a commercial provider

We will (2) Provide choice of speeds to meet the needs of users Focus on establishing a network of community broadband hubs across the whole county Do all that we can to attract a high level of investment to deliver the best broadband solution we can in Cumbria

Delivery Phase 1 – Connecting Cumbria project Involves the procurement of a provider to upgrade infrastructure Procurement underway – complete spring 2012 Roll-out Plan in development – in place spring /15 – Review Strategy – next phase?

Measuring success Headline measures  Reduction in the percentage of properties without access to a connection of at least 2 mbps from 18% to 0% by 2015  Increase in the number of properties with access to a connection of at least 25 mbps to 90% by 2015

Contributing to …. Gross Value Added (economic productivity) New businesses established Employment CO2 emissions Number of public services available over the internet

How can local people and businesses get involved? Becoming a Hub Coordinator or Broadband Champion as we are still recruiting in some areas. Speaking to your Hub Co-ordinator about how you can help develop plans in your area Where there is not a Hub Co-ordinator in your area you can speak to your parish councillor

Conclusion We can do more, more quickly If we can attract more private investment If private and public sectors work with communities If communities work together to identify solutions