Cumbrian town reaches 50 per cent for gigabit broadband

Recent research carried out by Think Broadband has revealed that Barrow, Cumbria has made a giant leap forward in connection quality.

Fresh statistics show that while back in March 2019, no homes or businesses could access gigabit speed broadband, March 2024 saw around 56 per cent of properties enjoy access to the enhanced option.

Users of gigabit-capable broadband can access minimum download speeds of one gigabit-per-second (Gbps) which is equivalent to 1,000 megabits-per-second (Mbps). To illustrate, a download speed of one Gbps allows a user to download a high-definition film in less than a minute.

Simon Fell, MP for the UK port town, commented:

“It’s very good to see that over 56 per cent of premises across Barrow and Furness now have access to gigabit broadband – especially considering none had access just a few years ago in 2019. The Government’s ambition is for nationwide gigabit coverage by the end of 2030.”

As acting “Rural Connectivity Champion” for the UK Government, the MP added that he is playing his part in speeding up delivery of gigabit-capable broadband to businesses and homes in rural areas. Ministers are driving lighting fast connectivity in more remote places in the nation through its flagship programme, Project Gigabit.

More premises based in the Furness area are also getting connected to gigabit broadband due to the efforts of providers like Openreach, YouFibre and Voneus. Northern Irish company Fibrus is also working in the area, rolling out connectivity in rural parts of the region.