In a groundbreaking move towards a digitally transformed future, Sam Rowlands MS recently delved into the heart of Openreach’s ambitious project to establish an ultrafast full fibre broadband network across North Wales. This significant investment, totaling around £17 million, promises to revolutionize connectivity for homes and businesses in Flintshire, with approximately 76% of premises already benefiting from the infrastructure upgrade.
The tour commenced at the Mold telephone exchange, where the intricate process of fibre splicing—a delicate engineering feat crucial to Openreach’s Full Fibre network—was unveiled. The Full Fibre network, a testament to a nationwide investment exceeding £45 million, has already connected nearly 12 million properties across the UK.
Residents and businesses in Mold and the broader North Wales region can anticipate enhanced connectivity, reduced latency, and the ability to harness bandwidth-intensive applications and services. This strategic investment aligns with Openreach’s commitment to bridging the digital divide, fostering economic growth, and promoting digital inclusion.
Expressing his satisfaction, Sam Rowlands MS acknowledged Openreach’s substantial investment as a boon for local communities. He emphasized the pivotal role of Full Fibre in shaping the future of connectivity, lauding Openreach’s dedication to propelling the region into a digital era.
Martin Williams, Partnership Director for Wales, emphasized the importance of community awareness about the ongoing developments. The Openreach fibre checker, regularly updated with progress details, serves as a valuable resource for residents to track the availability of full fibre in specific areas.
As part of Openreach’s broader commitment, Flintshire stands at the forefront of a national initiative to provide ultrafast broadband that is faster, better, and more affordable. With download speeds of 1 Gbps—up to 10 times faster than the average home broadband connection—residents can expect seamless streaming, high-quality video calls, and improved overall internet experiences.
Openreach’s investment in Wales aims to reach 25 million UK homes and businesses with access to Full Fibre ultrafast broadband. With an already substantial workforce of around 2,300 in Wales, Openreach is leading the charge in delivering one of the fastest and most reliable broadband connections in Europe.
While over 35% of homes and businesses in Wales have embraced full fibre services, thousands more could benefit from this technological advancement. The Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) estimates that connecting everyone in Wales to full fibre could contribute a £2 billion boost to the Welsh economy.
In essence, Mold and North Wales are at the forefront of a transformative journey, with Openreach’s Full Fibre broadband network poised to redefine the digital landscape, propelling communities into a new era of connectivity and opportunity.
