News & Events

Mallerstang Goes Live On B4RN

February 23rd, 2022
Author: Mark Gray
Posted In: Latest news

A Mallerstang project volunteer dig

Mallerstang’s B4RN gigabit full fibre broadband network has gone live!

People in the parish can now enjoy B4RN thanks to years of hard graft by local volunteers, working alongside our contractors and staff.

Locals went ‘live’ on Tuesday 15^th February, with the lights coming on connected customers’ routers.

This is the culmination of more than two years’ dogged work for the local volunteer B4RN group. They have given their time and skills to make sure everyone who wants a B4RN connection in Mallerstang gets one.

Volunteer John Peel said: “The householders that are fully connected are all delighted with the speed of the new service compared to what we have endured until now.

“Needless to say, this service will make a huge difference to our lives out here in the wilds of Mallerstang. Everything from streaming entertainment to online shopping and working from home will be facilitated. Our need was always great, but the pandemic drama has further highlighted our isolation and need for virtual connection to the rest of the world.

“We have had a long wait and some particular challenges with the project; however, persistence has paid off.”

Fellow volunteer Sue Bradley continued: “It should be recognized by us all what a challenging project Mallerstang has been.

“The terrain is stony and hard, the valley is long with vast tracts of inhospitable ground between one property and the next.

“We are delighted with the outcome and with our perseverance. Thank you [everyone involved] for bringing us in this rural area into the 21st century.”

B4RN’s Project Build Coordinator, Hannah Robinson, said: “A massive ‘thank you’ to Rob Bradley and John Peel for their continuous efforts through the projects stages, working tirelessly to ensure every homeowner is kept up-to-date along with providing advice and helping complete house installations. Without them, the Mallerstang project would simply not have happened.

“Also, a big thank you to the landowners – who have given us permission to use their land.”

Local MP Neil Hudson has been a long-time B4RN advocate. He said: “B4RN are an important player in the broadband market and do a great job in meeting local demand.

“Following a visit to the Mallerstang project last year, I was inspired by the passion and dedication of the B4RN staff and the volunteers to see this project completed.

“We all know the importance of digital connectivity, whether for work or schooling and the more houses that are connected to decent broadband a higher standard of living can be achieved.”

People can sign up for B4RN broadband at b4rn.org.uk/getb4rn. If you are stuck in a deal with another provider, you can take advantage of Connect⁺ (full details at b4rn.org.uk/connectplus).