Businesses across Cumbria are reaping the rewards of improved connectivity in the region.

The renewed digital infrastructure means over 94 per cent of the county's homes and businesses can now access broadband speeds exceeding 30Mbps, with more than 42 per cent achieving gigabit speeds.

The move to a more connected lifestyle has seen an impressive uptake, with over 80 per cent of properties upgrading to faster broadband services.

Despite this, thousands of Cumbrians may still be unaware of their capability to order more efficient broadband services.

Additionally, the county's outdoor 4G geographic coverage has risen to over 90 per cent from at least one mobile provider, and 64 per cent from all four major UK network providers, offering an alternative route for digital connectivity.

Councillor Dyan Jones, cabinet member and digital champion for digital infrastructure in Westmorland and Furness, said: "Living in a world where digital connectivity is so important, it is vital that we continue to focus on improving services for all our residents, businesses and visitors.

"There has never been a better time to check and see if and how you can improve connectivity to your property."

The Westmorland Gazette: The renewed digital infrastructure means over 94 per cent of the county's homes and businesses can

Cumbrian business owner, Mia Crossman, shared how the enhanced connectivity benefits her business, Yellow Ribbon Gifts.

She said: "Having a strong, stable and reliable broadband service is key to so much of what I do.

"Cumbria has so much to offer; being online gives us the opportunity to present these to the wider world.

"I honestly feel that being online is such a catalyst to the success of businesses nowadays."

The initiative to better the county's connectivity is ongoing as Connecting Cumbria supports several projects aimed at making Cumbria a more appealing place to live, study, do business, and visit.

Currently, Fibrus Ltd, under the brand Hyperfast GB, is carrying out the Project Gigabit contract awarded by the UK Government.

It aims to provide wholesale services on the publicly funded infrastructure to roughly 60,000 properties across Cumbria by 2026.

It is projected that by the end of 2025, up to 80 per cent of UK properties will have access to gigabit-capable infrastructure.

Meaning by 2026, gigabit coverage in Cumbria will likely exceed 99 per cent of properties.

Adding to the connectivity surge, the Borderlands Partnership is focusing on sustainable and inclusive economic growth across the South of Scotland and North of England.

Named one of ten 5G Innovation Regions, the Borderlands will share a £36 million fund from the department for science, innovation and technology, paving the way for 5G in Cumbria.