Superfast broadband moving at a superfast pace in Pembrokeshire
More than 23,500 homes and businesses in Pembrokeshire can now access fast fibre broadband thanks to the Superfast Cymru programme as Tenby becomes the latest area to benefit.
The first households and businesses in to be connected in Tenby get join residents in Haverfordwest, Johnston, Milford Haven, Neyland, Pembroke and Saundersfoot, who can already take advantage of faster upload and download speeds.
Elsewhere, Fishguard, Broadhaven, Narbeth, Newport (Dyfed), Carew, Manorbier, Clynderwen are all set to see engineering work begin before the end of March as part of the Superfast Cymru roll-out. Fibre broadband will also be switched on this monthin Hebron, Crymych, Crosswell, Treffgarne and Letterson.
Engineers from BT’s local network business, Openreach, are due to start work in every telephone exchange area in Pembrokeshire by the end of September bringing superfast internet speeds to even more villages and towns in the county.
The high-speed technology has the ability to transform people’s use of the internet.. At home, fibre broadband allows a family to simultaneously download a movie, carry out online research, surf the web and play games online all at the same time. Businesses can use fibre broadband to work more efficiently, market themselves more effectively, find new customers and become more competitive.
Superfast Cymru, a partnership between the Welsh Government, BT, UK Government and the European Regional Development Fund is the largest of its kind in the UK. It is aiming to achieve, when combined with commercial programmes by the private sector, the Welsh Government’s aim of providing 96% of premises in Wales with access to fast fibre broadband by the end of Spring 2016.
Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Julie James said: “The Superfast Cymru programme is changing the digital landscape in Wales and I’m pleased to see more and more premises gaining access in Pembrokeshire.”
“Tenby is the latest to benefit in the county and more communities will be able to take advantage of superfast speeds as roll-out of the programme continues.
“The pace of technological development shows no sign of slowing down. We are embracing this change and Superfast Cymru is a clear demonstration of our commitment to seeing Wales become a truly digital nation.”
Households and businesses who want superfast speeds need to contact an internet service provider (ISP) of their choice to sign up to receive fast fibre – the upgrade is not automatic. There are a wide range 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.
To find out when fibre broadband is coming to your area visit the Superfast Cymru
website where information is provided for each postcode area in addition to the expected speed for each property: www.superfastcymru.com
ENDS
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
