Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) are set to launch a new ‘Delivering Digital Connectivity Strategy’ with the aim of driving regional economic growth and ensuring a better way of life for those living within the region. The strategy, which will officially be announced next week, will see £5.6m of investment from CPCA in a bid to significantly improve mobile, broadband and public WiFi coverage, whilst securing future proof full fibre and 5G networks.

The Combined Authority, who’re set to speak at both the Cambridge Development Plans Conference and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Economic Growth Conference, say the investment will be used to extend the Connecting Cambridgeshire programme, which has already been a huge success story – with 96% of their county residential now having access to superfast broadband – expected to increase to 99% by 2020.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough will now be the first region in the country to launch a dedicated team to work alongside telecom and mobile operators to ensure constraints and barriers are tackled to accelerate the delivery of digital connectivity and make best use of public sector assets – whilst attracting private sector investment.

Full fibre footprint across the area will now be a key focus for the authority – especially improvements to voice and data mobile coverage, better public access WiFi in market towns and villages, and trailing of 5G – the next generation of mobile services.

Mayor James Palmer, confirmed speaker at both the Cambridge Development Plans Conference and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Economic Growth Conference said: ”Digital connectivity is a vital part of our area’s infrastructure. The Combined Authority is committed to our region having outstanding digital connectivity that will support the growth of our local economy and improve the day to day lives of our residents. A strong mobile and broadband network is key to enable us to remain competitive in the national and international marketplace through the use of smart technology. We also want to see greater access to public Wi-Fi which is why we’re keen to extend free public access more widely, particularly across our market towns. Since the formation of the CPCA just over a year ago we have recognised the impact of digital connectivity infrastructure on businesses and communities and as a result we’ve prioritised funding for an ambitious digital connectivity strategy for the area to ensure that we have the digital connectivity services we need for now and for the future.”

Join us and Mayor James Palmer at our following events:

Cambridge Development Plans Conference

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Economic Growth Conference