Supersonic goes Superfast

Supersonic goes Superfast

RAF Valley connects to superfast broadband

RAF Valley on Anglesey has become the latest place in Wales to benefit from superfast broadband thanks to Superfast Cymru.

While those on the base may be used to travelling at supersonic speeds in the air, they will now be able to enjoy superfast speeds online as they join over 425,000 other households and businesses in Wales which are able to enjoy faster internet speeds as a result of the partnership.

Superfast Cymru is a partnership between the Welsh Government and BT bringing superfast broadband to areas across Wales which otherwise would not receive it.Work is currently underway in every exchange area on Anglesey with the partnership already having made superfast broadband available to more than 23,000 premises on the island.

Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Julie James, said: “It’s great to see that RAF Valley is now able to go superfast online as well as in the air.Superfast Cymru is delivering faster internet speeds across the country.

“Engineers are working hard on the ground to bring superfast broadband to premises across Wales. They still face some significant challenges ahead as rollout advances to some of the most difficult to reach areas.

“Superfast Cymru is also an excellent example of the impact European funding is having, helping Wales become a more connected nation.”

Group Captain Pete Cracroft, Station Commander RAF Valley, said: “Superfast broadband will make a huge difference here on Ynys Mon, not just for RAF Valley but for the whole community. The Royal Air Force has always relied on good communication, and we are no different to many other organisations, businesses and individuals on the island who will benefit from this improvement in service”

Martin Jones, BT Programme Manager, said: “We’re making excellent progress in bringing fast fibre across Wales, often in difficult and challenging conditions.

“In addition to connecting RAF Valley to superfast broadband, we’re well on our way to completing the fibre broadband rollout on the island. I would urge homes and businesses to place their order with an internet service provider so that they can start taking advantage of these new superfast speeds.”

Funding of £205m has been provided by Welsh Government, the UK Government and the European Regional Development Fund, with BT contributing a further £220m to deliver fibre across Wales via its commercial roll-out and the Superfast Cymru programme.

-Ends-

Enquiries about this news release should be made to Anne Jones on 0300 062 5478at the Welsh Government press office or Eurig Thomas in the BT Cymru Wales Press Office on 07442 536 639. All BT news releases can be accessed at: http://www.btplc.com/News.

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 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 BT

BT’s purpose is to use the power of communications to make a better world.It is one of the world’s leading providers of communications services and solutions, serving customers in more than 170 countries. Its principal activities include the provision of networked IT services globally; local, national and international telecommunications services to its customers for use at home, at work and on the move; broadband, TV and internet products and services; and converged fixed/mobile products and services. BT consists principally of five customer-facing lines of business: BT Global Services, BT Business, BT Consumer, BT Wholesale and Openreach.

For the year ended 31 March 2015, BT Group’s reported revenue was £17,979mwith reported profit before taxation of £2,645m.

British Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group plc and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group. BT Group plc is listed on stock exchanges in London and New York.

For more information, visit www.btplc.com.

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

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