An extension of a strategy to bring improved digital connectivity across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has been backed by the Combined Authority’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee.

The proposed Connecting Cambridgeshire Digital Connectivity Strategy 2025-29 will support the Combined Authority’s ambition of outstanding digital connectivity across the region, supporting effective public service delivery, thriving communities and sustainable economic growth. The strategy will ensure that the region continues to exceed the ambitious targets set by the Government. Its importance is reflected in the Combined Authority’s Local Transport and Connectivity Plan (LTCP) of which the Digital Connectivity Strategy is an integral part.

The Connecting Cambridgeshire programme has already delivered ahead of national targets for superfast broadband (24 megabits per second) and Gigabit-capable broadband deployment. Gigabit-capable (typically full Fibre to the Premise (FTTP)) coverage of 85% across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough was achieved this year, ahead of the Government target of 2025.

Building on the programme’s success, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) selected Cambridgeshire and Peterborough as one of the first areas to receive further investment under Project Gigabit. The initiative is bringing an investment of around £45m into the area to support the delivery of full fibre broadband to approximately 45,000 premises.

The proposed 2025-29 strategy aims to push towards full fibre broadband coverage, eliminating coverage gaps or ‘not spots’, with the Government setting 2030 as the target for full coverage.

In addition, the strategy aims to support an increase in 4G and 5G coverage, continuing to explore options such as the deployment of 4G small cells to boost connectivity in ‘not spot’ areas. Small cells can be put on, for example, streetlights, to boost mobile capacity. The existing strategy has already seen improvements in mobile connectivity in previous not spots, including some of our town centres.

The Transport and Infrastructure Committee, which heard the report at its Wednesday (18 September 2024) meeting, will recommend the Combined Authority Board approves the strategy. A business case will be presented to the Combined Authority Board on 13 November 2024 to request the necessary funding for year one of the programme. Funding requests for years 2 to 4 of the strategy will be incorporated into future versions of the Combined Authority’s MediumTerm Financial Plan.

The programme has been led by the Combined Authority since 2017, working in partnership with Cambridgeshire County Council.

Chair of the Transport and Infrastructure Committee, and Deputy Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Cllr Anna Smith said: “Fast, reliable digital connectivity is as important to our communities as any other public utility. It’s essential for people to access vital services, stay connected with family and friends, and take advantage of educational and job opportunities, especially with the growth in home and hybrid working and learning. Yet, we know that some areas still face gaps in coverage, and that has a huge impact on opportunities. Closing this digital divide is challenging, but crucial if we are to reduce inequalities.

“The extended Digital Connectivity Strategy would also boost the regional economy by giving businesses the connectivity they need to thrive. High-speed broadband and improved mobile coverage, including 4G and 5G, are critical to supporting prosperity, innovation, and competitiveness across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough generally. We need to remain a leader in digital infrastructure, and this project will help us achieve that.”

This news was also published on the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority website on 24 September 2024.