West Wales Digital Super Highway

Ultra-fast digital connectivity coming to rural West Wales following a £50m investment from Carmarthenshire Council

17:35 16 November 2020

Carmarthenshire Council has approved a £50million investment in digital connectivity to bring ultra-fast and highly reliable broadband service to rural West Wales. 

 

The scheme is hoped to help in accelerating economic growth and establish Carmarthenshire as a centre of excellence in the key sectors of smart manufacturing, life science and well-being and energy. The new investment programme promises that businesses and communities will have access to a minimum broadband service, currently considered to be 30Mbps. 

 

Penygroes councillor Dai Thomas said: “Cross Hands is becoming a major business hub, with several innovative small businesses, so it’s essential that BT Openreach proceeds rapidly with the fibre connection.

 

It’s vital for our future prosperity in Carmarthenshire that this development takes place as soon as possible, as superfast broadband is a key element in our strategy of enabling young people to continue to live and work in their communities.”

 

Trelech councillor Jean Lewis said: "As one who represents a large rural area, I’m delighted by this announcement.

 

"I’ve been lobbying consistently for an improved broadband service since I was elected several years ago.

 

"During this pandemic period in particular, technology has become an essential lifeline for most of us.

 

"This  exciting strategy offers hope for businesses and residents who suffer a very slow connection at present.

 

"It will provide equality opportunities for all the county’s residents and the county council’s leadership is to be commended for their part in ensuring that this will happen."