Superfast Broadband in Wales - 100,000 properties milestone reached
More than 100,000 Welsh homes and businesses can now get access to superfast speeds as a result of the UK Government’s roll-out of superfast broadband.
The UK Government has invested £57 million pounds in the Superfast Cymru project which is on track to deliver superfast broadband to 96% of homes and businesses in Wales by the end of 2015. In total, the scheme will ensure more than 690,000 properties that would otherwise have been left in the digital slow lane will be able to access superfast speeds.
Superfast broadband will enable families to do things like simultaneously download a movie, watch a TV replay service, do homework on the internet and play games online all at the same time. A whole album can be downloaded in less than 30 seconds and a feature length HD movie in less than 10 minutes.
Superfast speeds can also help small businesses to grow and save valuable time by being able to make greater use of things like online ordering, doing more by email and accessing more services online.
Communities already benefitting from access to faster broadband speeds in Wales include Blaenau Ffestiniog, Criccieth, Fairbourne, Harlech, Llanberis, Penygroes, Penrhyndeudraeth and Tywyn in the north, and Brynmawr, Clydach and Rhiwderin in the south.
Culture Secretary Maria Miller said:
Superfast Broadband has something for everyone, and it’s brilliant news that more than 100,000 Welsh homes and businesses are already gaining real social and commercial advantages as a result of the nationwide rollout. The contribution that the Governments’ delivery of superfast broadband to 95% of the UK by 2017 will make to the economic growth of the nation cannot be underestimated.
Wales Secretary David Jones said:
Today’s announcement marks a significant leap forward in our efforts to ensure Wales has a broadband network fit for the digital age.
The Superfast Cymru project is a prime example of how UK Government investment can be combined with other funding to deliver for the people of Wales. In addition to the funding already committed, this Government announced in December that a further £10million would be made available to address those areas not set to benefit from current broadband roll-out across the UK. I have recently met with the Culture Secretary and the Communications Minister to make the case for Wales to receive a fair share of the additional funding on offer.
Improved connectivity for homes and businesses is a cornerstone of this Government’s efforts to strengthen the economy in Wales. Thanks to the investment made into Wales’ digital infrastructure by this Government, we are well on our way to achieving a truly remarkable transformation in broadband provision in Wales.