Amidst the scenic landscapes of Conwy, a digital revolution is underway as Openreach invests around £12 million to extend its Full Fibre broadband network, providing nearly 40,000 homes and businesses with enhanced connectivity. However, only 22% of those eligible in Conwy have embraced the benefits of Ultrafast Full Fibre broadband, revealing a stark digital divide.
The coastal contrasts are evident as a short drive to Flintshire sees an impressive 55% uptake in ultrafast broadband, with nearly 60% of Caergwrle village residents embracing the service. This divergence prompts scrutiny, especially in areas like Colwyn Bay (15%) and Llanrwst (17%), standing among the lowest adopters of ultrafast broadband in Wales.
Martin Williams, Openreach’s regional director for Wales, highlights the transformative potential, stating, “Fast and reliable full fibre broadband gives households and businesses a boost – it is having a huge impact on people’s daily lives.” Williams underscores the need for residents to act proactively, emphasizing that upgrades don’t occur automatically; individuals must contact their broadband service providers to unlock the advantages.
Full Fibre broadband, beyond its accelerated speed, ensures more dependable, resilient, and future-proof connectivity, with fewer faults and consistent speeds. Martin Williams urges Conwy residents to explore this cutting-edge technology, which not only supports seamless streaming and online gaming but also empowers businesses to execute day-to-day operations with certainty.
As Openreach’s engineering build progresses across Conwy and Wales, the focus remains on delivering an exceptional service that facilitates remote work and fosters community connections. The expansion plan includes a significant investment in Full Fibre broadband for over 35 towns and villages across North East Wales, encompassing Llanfairfechan, Mold, and Ruthin. This strategic initiative aligns with Openreach’s ambitious goal of reaching 25 million UK homes and businesses by the end of 2026.
The call to action echoes loudly across Conwy – a clarion call for residents and businesses to bridge the digital gap, seize the opportunities offered by Full Fibre broadband, and propel the region into a digitally empowered future.