ALMOST 1,000 homes and businesses in Aspatria now have access to 'gigabit-capable' broadband, as part of UK government’s £108m investment to improve connectivity in rural Cumbria.

Broadband provider Fibrus says it is committed to improving connectivity in rural and regional communities.

Fibrus was awarded the UK government’s Project Gigabit contract for Cumbria in November 2022, and these homes in Aspatria are part of the 60,000 premises that will be reached by this project.

Newly-connected properties in Aspatria are using cutting edge XGS-PON technology, which offers broadband speeds of up to 2Gbps.

Project Gigabit is the government’s flagship £5billion programme to enable hard-to-reach communities to access lightning-fast gigabit-capable broadband that would otherwise have missed out.

Chris Collins, head of network build at Fibrus, said: “Fibrus aims to enhance the lives of residents and businesses in areas like Aspatria, who have long experienced limited connectivity options.

"This is completely transforming their everyday lives and allowing families, businesses, and local people to be able to work from home.”

He added: “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.”

Minister for Data and Digital Infrastructure John Whittingdale said: “Fast and reliable connectivity helps families to stay in touch, businesses to boost their operations, and public services to deliver for local communities.

"Whether you’re in central London or rural Cumbria, everyone should have access to the benefits that lightning-fast, gigabit-capable broadband brings."

Cllr Chris Southward, Cumberland Council’s executive member for digital connectivity and customer focus, said: "In our digital age, it is so important that businesses and residents have good access to the internet wherever they live, and it’s great to see the people of Aspatria able to benefit from it now."