Successful Project Completion Exceeds Original Targets and Budget
In a landmark achievement, Openreach, in collaboration with the Welsh Government, has successfully completed a four-year project, providing enhanced connectivity to more than 44,000 homes and businesses across Wales. The initiative, which surpassed its initial target of 39,000 properties, delivered full fibre broadband, enabling access to gigabit-capable speeds and future-proofed ‘Fibre to the Premises’ technology.
The project, backed by Welsh Government and EU funding, as well as investment from Openreach and support from the UK Government, not only exceeded its targets but also came in under the original budget of £57 million. This successful rollout aligns with the increasing digitalization of lives and workplaces across Wales, building on the accomplishments of Superfast Cymru, which significantly enhanced fast broadband availability.
All benefiting properties can now leverage the advantages of gigabit-capable speeds, facilitating faster downloads and seamless streaming experiences. Notably, the historic Grade 1 listed Picton Castle in Pembrokeshire is among the beneficiaries, marking a significant leap forward for the popular tourist attraction.
Dr. Rhiannon Talbot-English, Director at Picton Castle, emphasized the impact of full fibre connectivity on their business. “The rollout of full fibre has been a significant enhancement for our business,” she stated. “This new connection has been a significant leap forward for us,” she added, highlighting the improved efficiency, cybersecurity, and overall business capabilities.
The comprehensive program witnessed the deployment of full fibre broadband on a large scale across the most rural parts of the country. Additionally, the initiative contributed to job creation, with 33 apprentices recruited to support the build and delivery process.
Welcoming the successful completion, Minister for the Economy, Vaughan Gething, highlighted the project’s significance in the context of the evolving digital landscape. “Now I’m delighted that thanks to a combination of public and commercially funded rollouts, more than half of all homes and businesses can live, work, or study with gigabit capable speeds,” he noted.
Kim Mears, Openreach Wales Board Chair, expressed pride in Openreach’s role in bridging the digital divide and fostering economic growth. “Our ultrafast full fibre network is helping bridge the digital divide, open new markets to businesses, bring significant economic boost to local economies, and help families live, work, and play,” Mears commented.
Highlighting the successful partnership between business and government, Mears concluded, “We’re extremely proud of the work our local engineers are doing up and down the country in both urban and rural parts of Wales, and our partnership with Welsh Government is a great example of how business and Government can successfully work together for the benefit of Wales.”
