Cross Hands exchange to be Superfast by March 2015
Homes and businesses connected to the Cross Hands exchange will be able to access superfast broadband by March 2015 as a result of the Superfast Cymru programme, it has been announced.
The exchange is to be enabled with premises starting to receive service from March 2015 as part of the next stage of the ambitious programme bringing fast fibre broadband to areas not covered by commercial roll-out, and which otherwise would not receive it.
The first homes and businesses will be able to access fast fibre broadband in March with further premises added as the roll-out continues. Superfast Cymru, a partnership between the Welsh Government and BT, is one of the most ambitious programmes of its kind in the UK. It aims to reach, when combined with commercially funded roll-outs, 96 per cent of properties in Wales by the end of Spring 2016, meaning that fibre based broadband will become available to more people more quickly than the rest of the UK.
Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology Ken Skates said: “This is good news for Cross Hands. I would urge residents and businesses to register their interest on the Superfast Cymru website, if they haven’t done so already, to find out the latest updates. They can also find out how to access fast fibre broadband when the time comes.
“Superfast Cymru is an ambitious programme. We are providing fast fibre broadband to more people faster than the rest of the UK, but we also have a bigger job to do. In Wales, we have had to intervene to bring fast fibre broadband to around half of the total premises because they are not covered by commercial roll-out.
“This means that the programme cannot provide fast fibre broadband to all areas at the same time, but every day it is gaining ground. By the time the programme has ended in Spring 2016 Wales will be one of the most connected countries in the world.”
Ed Hunt, BT’s Programme Director for Superfast Cymru said, “Superfast broadband is of particular use to businesses as it enables them to be more productive, cut costs and grow. In fact, recent research conducted by Plymouth University suggested that 8 out of 10 SMEs who had connected to fibre broadband had seen growth”.
“At home, high definition TV, games and home working can all take place simultaneously with no loss of enjoyment. In addition, a wealth of on line learning content opens up for people of all ages.”
Fast fibre broadband is not provided automatically, households and businesses who want superfast speeds need to contact an internet service provider (ISP) to sign up to receive fast fibre. There are several ISPs offering fibre broadband in Wales so customers can shop around and choose the package that is best for them. If they choose not to upgrade to fibre broadband, they will be able to continue using their existing broadband service.
For full details of the benefits of fast fibre broadband, how to register for updates on when it’s coming to an area and how to access it visit the Superfast Cymru website: www.superfast-cymru.com
Full details of the further roll-out of Superfast Cymru and detailed plans for the third year of the programme will be published in the summer.
Notes
For information about which exchange areas are already enabled go to the coverage map onhttp://www.superfast-cymru.com/where-and-when
The latest images of the Superfast Cymru roll-out are available for download at:http://imagelibrary.btplc.com/assetbank-btplc/action/browseItems?categoryId=597&categoryTypeId=1
About the Welsh Government and Superfast Cymru
The Welsh Government is the devolved Government for Wales. We are working to help improve the lives of people in Wales and make our nation a better place in which to live and work.
The Welsh Government and BT are working in partnership on the 'Superfast Cymru' programme to develop a nationwide superfast broadband infrastructure.
Superfast Cymru will boost commercial roll-out and help the Welsh Government achieve its target to deliver high speed fibre broadband to 96% of homes and businesses in Wales by 2016.
Superfast Cymru is set to transform the broadband landscape in Wales and to promote economic growth and sustainable jobs in Wales. We have estimated that up to 2,500 further full times jobs could be created throughout the Welsh economy over time. It will ensure we are at the forefront of the global digital economy and help to champion Wales as a great place to live, work, invest and visit.
About Superfast Britain
Superfast Britain is a UK Government programme of investment in broadband and communication infrastructure across the UK. Run by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, this investment helps businesses to grow, creates jobs and will make Britain more competitive in the global race. The portfolio is comprised of three elements
• £780m to extend superfast broadband to 95% of the UK by 2017
• £150m to provide high speed broadband to businesses in 22 cities
• £150m to improve quality and coverage of mobile phone and basic data network services
Administered on behalf of Government by Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK), Superfast Britain is transforming Britain by promoting growth, enabling skills and learning, and improving quality of life.
For further information: https://www.gov.uk/broadband-delivery-uk
