Superfast Cymru delivers broadband speeds three times average
Broadband speeds delivered by the Superfast Cymru programme to date are three times greater than the UK average – with the average download speed available to those premises already able to access fast fibre broadband reaching 61 Megabits per second (Mbps).
Over 100,000 premises which are now able to access fast fibre broadband, as a result of Superfast Cymru, have been tested and verified as being able to receive superfast speeds. The average download speed of 61 Mbps is also more than double the contractual minimum for the programme. According to Ofcom in November 2013 the average broadband download speed across the UK was 17.8Mbps.
Superfast Cymru, a partnership between Welsh Government and BT, is taking fibre broadband to parts of the country not covered by commercial plans. So far engineers have installed in excess of 300 new fibre broadband cabinets with more appearing every day.
It is the largest partnership of its kind in the UK working to give, when combined with private sector roll-outs, 96 per cent of premises in Wales access to fast fibre broadband in 2016.
Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology Ken Skates said: “Our plans for superfast broadband are the most ambitious in the UK providing faster broadband to a greater proportion premises more quickly. The fact that where premises are already benefiting as a result of the programme, with an average speed three times the UK average, shows the positive impact it is having as roll-out continues.
“This is a huge project which will make a significant difference to businesses and households across Wales.”
Ed Hunt, BT’s Programme Director for Superfast Cymru, said: “ The broadband speeds being delivered by Superfast Cymru are giving the people of Wales access to data hungry applications and content that until recently was just a dream.
“Great progress is being made but the sheer scale of the programme means we still have a long way to go. We look forward to changing the lives of households across Wales and the growth opportunities for Welsh businesses, all brought about by our superfast deployment.“
Note: Details of the figures from Ofcom on the UK average is on the attached link: http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/market-data-research/other/telecoms-research/broadband-speeds/broadband-speeds-nov2013/
• The average upload speed across the 100 000 verified premises is 9Mbits/sec, which is nearly four times faster than the national average.
• According to Ofcom in November 2013 the average broadband upload speed across the UK was 2.3Mbits/sec
• The average download speed across the 100 000 verified premises is nearly 20% faster than the national average for “Superfast” broadband
• According to Ofcom in November 2013 the average broadband download speed of Superfast services across the UK was 47Mbits/sec
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
