More than 36,000 homes and businesses in Cumbria now have access to gigabit-capable broadband, thanks to the telecoms provider, Fibrus.

The company has been operating in the region since 2021, bringing full-fibre optic cable to provide connection speeds reaching up to two gigabits per second, a speed that outclasses the rates achieved with traditional copper phone networks.

In addition to its commercial rollout, Fibrus has started work to connect thousands of people in rural parts of Cumbria to high-speed connectivity as part of a £108 million government contract, Project Gigabit.

This government initiative seeks to bring lightning-fast, reliable broadband to traditionally hard-to-reach communities across the UK.

Colin Hutchinson, chief financial officer for Fibrus, said: "We’ve made excellent progress in what is a challenging environment to build.

"The sheer size of Cumbria presents challenges, as does the geology – we’ve had to drill through rock in some places – and with two National Parks and three designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, we’ve had to take extra care to minimise the impact of our work on the environment."

Mr Hutchinson added: "It’s been particularly satisfying to start delivery on Project Gigabit, bringing full-fibre broadband to parts of the UK that might otherwise miss out on getting the digital connectivity they need.

"Full-fibre broadband is the mains electricity of the 21st century and it’s vital that it is widely available.

"Fibrus will continue to address the digital imbalance in rural connectivity and we look forward to seeing more communities enjoying the benefits of our full-fibre network."

Right now, Fibrus is laying fibre in Kendal, Penrith, Workington, and Aspatria.

The company plans to begin work in 15 other towns and villages in the first half of 2024.

This expansion effort will include areas such as Windermere, Whitehaven, St Bees, Flookburgh, Great Broughton, Cockermouth, Distington, and Keswick.

The company has been proactive in educating communities about its work, responding to more than 300 enquiries, hosting community events, and launching an apprentice training facility at Newton Rigg, Penrith.

Here, 16 apprentices have completed training with an additional 74 people expected to be trained by 2026.

Fibrus is also providing £212,000 to support community projects over the life of the Project Gigabit contract.

Support so far includes sponsorship of the Fibrus 100 girls’ cricket league, a fund for grassroots boys’ and girls’ sports clubs and a £60,000 fund for community groups to tackle digital poverty.