Fibrus complete phase one of Project Gigabit broadband rollout in Cumbria

Infracapital-backed alternative broadband network Fibrus, which has so far deployed their full fibre network across 471,800 UK premises (inc. 155,000 customers), has today announced that they’ve completed the first phase of their government-funded Project Gigabit rollout across Cumbria (England). Over 37,700 extra premises in hard-to-reach areas are now covered and rising.

The contract, which was first announced back in November 2022, has gone through a few changes in recent years and currently reflects a £150m investment (public subsidy), with the wider programme set to reach more than 53,500 additional homes and businesses across the county.

Alongside commercial deployments from Fibrus and other network operators, the contract is playing a key role in helping to ensure that 99% of homes and businesses in Cumbria have access to gigabit broadband by the end of 2027. The civil engineering work itself is taking place via Fibrus’ sister company Viberoptix.

UK Telecoms Minister, Ian Murray, said:

“Fibrus’ milestone is real progress in bringing faster broadband to Cumbria’s rural and remote communities that would otherwise miss out without government investment.”

For local businesses and community organisations, our gigabit boost means reaching more customers, supporting volunteers and helping people stay connected to each other. This is just one way we are spreading opportunity to every part of the country.”

Jenny Lennon, Managing Director of Hyperfast Networks, said:

“Completing the first phase of our Project Gigabit rollout in Cumbria is a significant milestone for our teams and, most importantly, for the communities we are connecting. Cumbria presents some of the most challenging conditions for building new fibre infrastructure, so reaching this point is a testament to the commitment, expertise and collaboration of everyone involved.

We’re already seeing the positive impact that reliable connectivity can have. Stories like Kelvyn’s demonstrate how Full Fibre broadband is supporting local organisations, enabling remote working and creating new opportunities for communities to grow and thrive.

As we move into the next phase of the rollout, our focus remains on extending those benefits to even more communities across Cumbria, ensuring more people can access these opportunities.”

Residential packages on Fibrus typically start at £24.99 per month on a 24-month term for download speeds of 159Mbps (31Mbps upload), which rises to £44.99 for their 2Gbps (315Mbps upload) package. All of their plans include an eero 6+ or 7 router from Amazon, free installation, the offer of a £400 contract buy-out and some packages also bundle their Total Home Wi-Fi Guarantee.

The provider is also currently running a promotion that lets new customers get 1Gbps for the price of their 500Mbps package (from just £27.99pm).