Mark Jenkinson MP has welcomed boosted broadband coverage in the Workington constituency following a hard-fought campaign and record levels of investment by the Conservative Government.
Gigabit broadband now covers 80 per cent of the UK and 34.7 per cent of the Workington constituency, up from just 1.2 per cent in the former Allerdale local Authority area in 2019.
Coverage in the Carlisle District is at 67.5 per cent, up from 2.6 per cent in 2019. Over the same timeframe Penrith and the Border Constituency has gone from 2.9 per cent to 38.5 per cent. Broadband coverage in Copeland has gone from 0.9 per to 5.8 per cent since 2019.
The Conservative Government announced Project Gigabit in 2019 – a flagship £5 billion programme to enable hard-to-reach communities to access lightning-fast gigabit-capable broadband. Cumbria was the first contract agreed under the new framework.
Mark Jenkinson MP, who has been campaigning for the improvements since before he became an MP, said: “My constituency was one of the first to benefit from these long-awaited improvements.
“As a Cumbrian, I understand the vital importance of fast and reliable internet connections for rural businesses and for people living in our more remote communities.
“This is brilliant news for both households and businesses in the present constituencies of Workington, Penrith and Border, Carlisle and Copeland, and ultimately for the newly formed Penrith and Solway constituency which will include parts of each.
“This work will mean that people can enjoy better internet connectivity, making their lives easier and more productive.
“I have been working very closely with individuals and communities across my constituency to get these works delivered – and it is encouraging to see that we are seeing positive results.”
Following the work of the telecoms industry and investment from the Government action, gigabit coverage across the UK has increased rapidly in recent years – from one in ten households in 2019 to eight in ten today.
The Government is working with broadband suppliers to deliver on its plan to achieve at least 85 per cent gigabit coverage of the UK by 2025, and nationwide coverage by 2030.
Better connectivity has been shown to boost productivity for businesses, unlocking new digital opportunities, helping to grow the economy.
