Plan to boost broadband speeds and mobile coverage gets backing 

Plan to boost broadband speeds and mobile coverage gets backing 

The Combined Authority Board has approved funding for a digital strategy to bring faster broadband and better mobile coverage across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.  

The approval also paves the way for new 5G innovation opportunities across the region, helping to accelerate real world trials and support emerging technologies that rely on strong, reliable mobile coverage. 

In today’s (28 January) meeting, the Board approved an extension of the Connecting Cambridgeshire Digital Connectivity Strategy to 2029. Building on the success of the existing programme, the strategy will continue to ensure the region has the leading-edge digital connectivity infrastructure needed for businesses and communities to thrive and can continue to exceed connectivity targets set by Government. This includes increasing gigabit coverage from 92% to over 98%, delivering a 10% uplift in 4G coverage and an additional 10km of free public access wi-fi.  

The current programme, which has been funded and led by the Combined Authority, in partnership with Cambridgeshire County Council since 2017, has already seen significant progress be made, delivering the government’s target of 85% gigabit-capable broadband coverage a year before it was due, and continues to exceed national average coverage figures. Gigabit broadband is a benchmark for fast, capable internet speeds.  Achievements also included an increase in 4G and 5G coverage across the region. 

Looking ahead, the new strategy aims to eliminate gaps or ‘not spots’, pushing towards full fibre coverage across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, ahead of the Government target of 2030 for >99% coverage. 4G and 5G coverage will also be boosted, with Connecting Cambridgeshire continuing to explore options such as the deployment of mobile small cells to boost connectivity in identified ‘not spot’ areas. 

Paul Bristow said: “Today’s decision from the Board marks a fresh milestone for better digital connectivity in the region. Bringing good mobile coverage and faster broadband to more people isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s essential for businesses and communities, and for delivering our ambitious growth plan. Now we have the full backing of my Board, it’s time to crack on with delivery.” 

Sarah Marsh, Programme Director for Connecting Cambridgeshire, said: “Approval of this funding enables the next phase of our digital infrastructure work. Working with industry and local partners, we’ll be focusing on improving mobile coverage, closing remaining gaps, and bringing faster broadband to businesses and communities. This decision builds on the strong foundations already in place to deliver the connectivity that underpins economic growth and future development for the region.” 

Approval comes shortly after the Mayor held a mobile roundtable in partnership with Connecting Cambridgeshire. Joined by mobile industry leaders and key stakeholders, the event aimed to explore how improvements to mobile coverage will underpin economic growth and support full development across the region.  

The Mayor wants to make Cambridgeshire & Peterborough the UK’s fastest growing local economy outside the capital, as set out in the Local Growth Plan launched before Christmas.  Better broadband speed and mobile coverage is central to the plan. 

It supports future housing developments, business growth, and innovation across the region.