Openreach, the UK’s largest network provider, has reached a significant milestone in Wales, with over 816,000 homes and businesses now having access to its full fibre network. This achievement marks a 50% coverage milestone for Openreach, reflecting a substantial investment of £240 million in the project. Its clear, Openreach are still building at an incredibably fast rate and we love to see it!
As part of Openreach’s commitment to expanding connectivity, more than 277,000 premises in Wales have already availed themselves of its services.
Leading the pack is Buckley in Flintshire, where over 90% of properties are now covered by Openreach’s full fibre network. Following closely is the village of Old Colwyn in Conwy, with Llangennech near Llanelli securing the third spot in terms of coverage.
Kim Mears, Chair of the Openreach Wales Board, emphasized the pivotal role of reliable connectivity in transforming lives and driving economic growth. Mears highlighted the dedication of Openreach engineers, who are actively engaged in building networks within the very communities they serve.
The expansion efforts are not limited to specific areas, as work continues across various regions, including St Asaph, Ebbw Vale, Tenby, Cardiff, Swansea, and Newport. Additionally, a collaborative partnership between Openreach and the Welsh Government aims to extend improved connectivity to an additional 44,000 homes and businesses in harder-to-reach areas of Wales.
The milestone achieved by Openreach underscores its commitment to bridging the digital divide and providing fast, reliable connectivity to communities across Wales, empowering families, enabling education, and fostering economic prosperity.