Superfast business breakfast is the perfect start to the day
Companies in Bridgend got the day off to a great start as they attended a breakfast to hear about the significant business benefits of the Superfast Cymru programme.
Superfast Cymru, the largest partnership of its kind in the UK, is working towards ensuring that Welsh Government achieves its target of extending fibre broadband access to 96 per cent of premises in Wales by the end of spring 2016.
The aim of today’s event, Fibre for Breakfast, was to promote the benefits of fast fibre broadband to businesses and how they can utilise it better in their day to day work.
Speaking at the event Ken Skates, Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, emphasised the importance of the Superfast programme. “These days we operate in a global environment where technology transcends any geographical boundaries. We want to ensure that Wales is ahead of the game and our businesses are given every chance to develop and succeed, especially in an increasingly challenging financial climate.
“Superfast Cymru has the potential to transform the broadband landscape in Wales and help us in our aim of promoting economic growth and providing sustainable jobs. Making Wales one of the most broadband capable countries in the world will also make us attractive to new investment. I would encourage all businesses based in south Wales to attend these events to learn more about how they can maximise the benefits from Superfast Cymru.”
Superfast Cymru, a partnership between Welsh Government and BT, with additional funding from Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) and the European Regional Development Fund, is taking fibre broadband to parts of the country not covered by commercial plans.
BT Programme Director Ed Hunt believes that the programme offers great potential for Welsh businesses.
He said: “Superfast Cymru is a hugely ambitious programme that will place Wales at the forefront of broadband technology. The economic impact of such a programme cannot be underestimated as it will provide an environment allowing businesses to establish and flourish.
“On a practical level it is helping protect 300 existing BT jobs and recent Cornish research has highlighted that six out of 10 small businesses are either growing or have increased revenues thanks to superfast broadband.
“Businesses need to start thinking now as to how they could benefit from this technology and these information events will allow them to start talking and planning for the future.”
Fast fibre broadband access is offered to all service providers on an open, wholesale basis, underpinning a competitive market. Further details of the programme, including areas in Wales that are part of the roll-out, are available on the Superfast Cymru website www.superfast-cymru.com.
ENDS
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
