Multi million pound Superfast Cymru partnership begins rolling out superfast broadband in Conwy County
Superfast Cymru, a partnership between the Welsh Government, UK Government, the European Regional Development Fund and BT, is delivering high-speed fibre broadband to areas which otherwise might not receive it
The Welsh Government’s ambitious target aims to make fibre available to 96 per cent of premises in Wales by Spring 2016 when combined with the commercial rollout by the private sector, meaning fibre based broadband will become available to more people more quickly than most other parts of the UK.
Roll out in Conwy is scheduled to see Ty'n y groes, Penmaenmawr and Cerrigydrudion receive access to superfast speeds in March 2015, with all exchange areas in the county being live before the end of September 2015.
Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology Julie James said: “It’s great news the first homes and businesses in Conwy County now have access to fast fibre broadband through the Superfast Cymru scheme.
“The scale of the programme means that we cannot deliver fast fibre to all areas at the same time, but as the roll-out continues, more and more communities will be able to realise the many benefits of receiving superfast speeds.
“We are committed to seeing Wales become a truly digital nation and the Superfast Cymru scheme is playing a vital role in helping us become one of the most connected countries in the world by Spring 2016.”
Households and businesses are not connected to fast fibre broadband automatically. Customers who want superfast speeds need to contact an internet service provider (ISP) to sign up to receive the technology. There are a variety of 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
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The latest images of the Superfast Cymru roll-out are available for download at:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/107803477@N08/sets/72157644203054472/
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
