The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has said the UK Government is to make around £170 million available to deliver gigabit capable broadband for around 70,000 hard-to-reach premises in Wales.
This comes as figures from Think Broadband show the country lags behind others in the UK, with only 74% of landmass covered by gigabit capable connections.
The new investment with Openreach will apply to some of the most remote parts of the country, from the South Wales Valleys to the Llyn Peninsula, giving residents and businesses access to the fastest connections on the market.
It is the first contract under the UK Government’s Project Gigabit programme to cover Wales.
Minister for Digital Infrastructure Chris Bryant said: “Communities across Wales are set to benefit from our deal with Openreach, from young pupils having an easier time completing their homework to seafarers in the Vale of Glamorgan feeling more connected personally and professionally.
“This Government is determined to address the regional disparities we have inherited and provide the necessary infrastructure for all communities to prosper, including the digital infrastructure vital in today’s world.”
The fix begins
Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: “At the moment we have too many people, especially in the more remote areas, of Wales who can’t properly access the online world, and I’m pleased that thanks to this substantial investment from the UK Government work on fixing that is starting now.”
DSIT said the new agreement will take the total investment in Project Gigabit up to £800 million. Under the agreement, Openreach has now signed contracts valued at around £280 million to connect around 96,000 homes and businesses.
Talks are now going with the company to agree further contracts to connect more remote areas across Britain.
