Businesses and communities across Wales are seeing the benefits
from the Welsh Government's almost £12m investment in fast and
reliable local broadband. This significant boost in connectivity
is transforming daily life, enhancing public services, and
opening up new opportunities for economic growth.
Several areas across Wales have already seen remarkable
improvements.
Three adult residential care homes in Newport, including
Parklands Care Home, now have gigabit-capable full-fibre
broadband for the first time. This has made it easier for
residents to keep in touch with family through apps such as Skype
and Zoom. The homes have also introduced assistive technology to
help staff members monitor residents with health conditions
efficiently.
Sian Nicholls, Team Manager, said:
"Our new broadband upgrade has revolutionised the way we deliver
care, enabling advanced telecare services that significantly
improve our residents' quality of life. It's also been a huge
boost for our staff, enhancing their digital skills and making
care delivery more efficient."
Stephen Bath, resident from Parklands Care Home, said:
“It's great to have a secure connection to be able to speak to
family and friends. Since the pandemic we've come to depend on
this provision and it makes a huge difference to how you feel
from day-to-day.”
In the Vale of Glamorgan, high-speed local broadband of up to
100Mbps is now available at popular sites like Cosmeston Lakes
Country Park and the Glamorgan Heritage Coast. This upgrade
enhances visitor experiences and supports local education and
employment opportunities.
Additionally, 17 public sector services in North Wales -
including rural libraries and community councils - now have
fibre-to-the-premises connections with download speeds of at
least 80Mbps.
In Cardiff, an early phase of 83 premises, which were previously
limited to below-30Mbps services, are now connected with gigabit
capable internet speeds. The next phase is underway and working
to deliver similar connectivity to a further 632 premises. This
project also provides “free for life” gigabit-capable broadband
to fifteen community centres spaces, supporting local initiatives
and educational programmes.
The broadband expansion continues with several ongoing projects
set to complete by March 2025 in Monmouthshire, Neath Port
Talbot, Carmarthenshire, and Powys.
The Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, , said:
"Fast and reliable broadband is essential for our communities and
businesses. The Local Broadband Fund has already made a real
difference, delivering tangible improvements to businesses,
public services, and communities across Wales. By expanding
digital access, we're helping to create new opportunities for
economic growth, employment, and education, as well as enhancing
the quality of life for residents."
This initiative is part of the Welsh Government's broader
strategy to enhance digital infrastructure, ensuring all
communities have access to the connectivity they need to thrive.
The Local Broadband Fund, launched in 2020, has allocated £12m
across four funding phases, with all projects set to be completed
by March 2025.
