Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority has confirmed that the board has approved an extension to the strategy that will improve digital connectivity across the region.
Thanks to the Connecting Cambridgeshire strategy, world-class digital infrastructure is being delivered across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, and now the programme has been extended for the 2025-29 period.
This decision came as the board was recommended to approve the extended strategy by the Transport and Infrastructure Committee last month.
Having already delivered the government target of 85% gigabit-capable broadband, a year before it was required to, the achievements of the Connecting Cambridgeshire programme will form the foundations of the new strategy. This will see it aiming to completely eliminate the gaps in full fibre coverage in the region, ahead of the government’s 2030 target.
Alongside this, there will be a boost to 4G and 5G coverage, with the programme looking to explore the deployment of 4G small cells to boost connectivity in areas where gaps exist.
Deputy Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, and Chair of the Transport and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Anna Smith said:
“I’m so pleased that this important strategy providing essential connectivity to our communities over the next five years can now move forward. The modern world increasingly demands fast, reliable connectivity at home, at work, and on the move. This strategy will help bring that to more people and places. That’s especially important in our rural communities. Good connectivity is one of the underpinning pieces of infrastructure which is fundamental to sustaining our economy, promoting more opportunity, jobs and prosperity, while also helping people stay in touch with friends and family, and access important services.”
Other achievements of the Connecting Cambridgeshire strategy to date include the launch of a Digital Inclusion delivery plan and the delivery of smart transport projects such as work to support autonomous vehicles and sensors to monitor road safety.
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