The UK and Welsh Governments have approved a £55 million programme to build up the digital infrastructure of Swansea Bay City Region.
The programme will be led by Carmarthenshire County Council and consist of three main elements: connected places for competitive access to full fibre connectivity; improving access to broadband in rural areas; and laying the ground for 5G and the internet of things (IoT).
It will be further supported by drawing down on a Swansea Bay City Deal contribution of £25 million.
The programme manager is currently recruiting a team to deliver the three elements in partnership with key regional stakeholders, suppliers, and the UK and Welsh Governments.
Over the next 12 months, anchor tenants will be sought to stimulate fibre investment in Swansea and other urban parts of the region, including Neath Port Talbot.
A strategic programme partner will also be appointed, alongside work to help regional local authorities boost take-up of broadband voucher schemes and other funding to improve connectivity in rural areas.
Mobile and wireless
Further programme plans for the next year include working alongside the mobile industry to generate improved mobile coverage in the region. A long range, open access wireless network will also be deployed to make the most of the IoT by connecting home, business and mobile devices to the internet.
Councillor Emlyn Dole, leader of Carmarthenshire County Council, said: “Approval of this programme is fantastic news for the Swansea Bay City Region because what’s planned will help future proof our digital infrastructure for many years.
“This is vital because as well as benefiting residents and businesses now, it will also lay the foundations for the region to benefit from digital innovation of the future in what’s such a fast moving landscape.
“Both urban and rural workstreams are planned as part of the programme to ensure all parts of the city region have opportunities for better digital connectivity.”
Carmarthenshire County Council said the programme is forecast to be worth £318 million to the region over coming years.
Other partners include Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea Councils, Swansea University, the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Swansea Bay University Health Board and Hywel Dda University Health Board.
Image from iStock, Alexey Brin
