Mayor's View: Getting faster internet and better mobile coverage moving

Now, the Combined Authority Board, which I chair, has backed funding to help make it happen.

Too many people face bad mobile signal when they need it most, or broadband that’s not fast enough to do the job. Sorting this out is important.

Modern infrastructure isn’t just roads and pipes. Strong digital connection supports us in our homes, our businesses and even public transport. When a city’s connectivity is weak, everything from economic productivity to education slows down. It also affects our lives if we can’t enjoy connection on the move or streaming our favourite shows.

If we’re to achieve my ambition of tripling the region’s economy by 2050, then investing in our enabling infrastructure – including digital – is essential.

The new strategy, which is being delivered in partnership with Connecting Cambridgeshire, will build of the success of the existing programme.

Together we’ve already delivered the government’s target of 85% gigabit-capable broadband coverage a year before it was due. Gigabit broadband is a benchmark for fast, capable internet speeds. We’ve also seen an increase in 4G and 5G coverage across the region. But we know there is more to be done.

Looking ahead, the new strategy will look to address gaps or ‘not spots’, pushing for full fibre coverage across Peterborough, ahead of the Government target of 2030 for at least99% coverage. Work will also be carried out to boost 4G coverage by 10% and push 5G coverage further. Connecting Cambridgeshire will continue to explore options such as the deployment of mobile small cells to remove ‘not spot’ areas where they are no coverage at all.

This strategy will ensure all communities – even our more rural ones - have good access to remote work and education opportunities. This means no more blurry work calls or frozen screens. It also helps to make Peterborough a more attractive place to do business, bringing fresh investment to the area and boosting our local economy. Our region is known for its contribution to advanced manufacturing, defence, digital technology and life sciences sectors - all of which rely on good digital connection to operate. If we’re to deliver the ambitions set out in our Local Growth Plan (LGP) and grow these sectors even further, then we need to ensure Peterborough and Cambridgeshire has top class broadband and mobile coverage. So, as you can see, the opportunities that come with better digital connection are significant.

Last year, I took the first steps in charging forward improvements. I hosted a mobile roundtable in partnership with Connecting Cambridgeshire, where I met with mobile industry leaders and key stakeholders and relayed the importance of improving mobile coverage in Peterborough and the region. Now we can push things further with the full delivery of the strategy. This is all part of my plan to get Peterborough moving.