Widespread benefits of Welsh government investment in broadband
How £12m investment in high-speed internet is transforming daily life, enhancing public services and opening up new opportunities for economic growth.
Launched in 2020, the Welsh government’s Local Broadband Fund allocated £12m over four funding phases to enhance digital infrastructure across the country and ensure that all communities have access to good internet connections. All projects under the scheme under due to be completed by March 2025.
Ally John, care home resident in Newport, photo courtesy of Welsh government
The benefits of the scheme are already evident, with many areas across Wales seeing marked improvement. For example, high-speed local broadband of up to 100Mbps is now available at popular such as Cosmeston Lakes Country Park and the Glamorgan Heritage Coast in the Vale of Glamorgan, serving to enhance visitor experiences and supporting local education and employment opportunities.
Across North Wales, some 17 public sector services including rural libraries and community councils now boast fibre-to-the-premises connections with download speeds of at least 80Mbps.
In Cardiff, some 83 premises that previously had below-30Mbps services now enjoy gigabit-capable internet. Similar connectivity is being rolled out to a further 632 premises, while 15 community centres are enjoying ‘free for life’ gigabit-capable broadband as part of an effort to support local initiatives and educational programmes.
Other ongoing projects to be completed by next March include broadband expansion in Carmarthenshire, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot and Powys.
Parklands Care Home is one of three adult residential care homes in Newport that now enjoys gigabit-capable full-fibre broadband for the first time. The upgrade makes it easier for residents to keep in touch with their families using apps such as Skype and Zoom. The introduction of assistive technology, enabled by faster connection speeds, is helping staff to more efficiently monitor residents with health conditions.
Sian Nicholls, Team Manager at the care home, says: ‘Our new broadband upgrade has revolutionised the way we deliver care, enabling advanced telecare services that significantly improve our residents’ quality of life. It’s also been a huge boost for our staff, enhancing their digital skills and making care delivery more efficient.’
Stephen Bath, a resident at Parklands Care Home, adds: ‘It’s great to have a secure connection to be able to speak to family and friends. Since the pandemic we’ve come to depend on this provision and it makes a huge difference to how you feel from day-to-day.’
Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, says: ‘Fast and reliable broadband is essential for our communities and businesses. The Local Broadband Fund has already made a real difference, delivering tangible improvements to businesses, public services, and communities across Wales. By expanding digital access, we’re helping to create new opportunities for economic growth, employment, and education, as well as enhancing the quality of life for residents.’
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