More than 100,000 homes and businesses not covered by the commercial rollout of fibre in Wales can now receive superfast broadband as part of the government-backed Superfast Cymru project, the government has announced.
Superfast Cymru aims to ensure that 96 percent of all properties in Wales are covered by fibre by March 2015 and claims that upon completion of the project, 690,000 homes and businesses will benefit.
Communities already benefiting from the rollout include Blaenau Ffestiniog, Criccieth, Fairbourne, Harlech, Llanberis, Penygroes, Penrhyndeudraeth and Tywyn in the north, and Brynmawr, Clydach and Rhiwderin in the south, and a host of other locations will be added to the network over the next 15 months.
The government has provided £57 million through the Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) initiative, while the Welsh government has invested £58 million and BT’s contribution, including its commercial investment, to the rollout of fibre in Wales is believed to be £220 million. However there are calls for even more money to be earmarked for use in rural networks.
“Today’s announcement marks a significant leap forward in our efforts to ensure Wales has a broadband network fit for the digital age,” says Welsh secretary David Jones.” In addition to the funding already committed, this Government announced in December that a further £10million would be made available to address those areas not set to benefit from current broadband roll-out across the UK.
“I have recently met with the Culture Secretary and the Communications Minister to make the case for Wales to receive a fair share of the additional funding on offer.”
Last month, the government boasted that 200,000 premises now had access to superfast broadband thanks to BDUK and promised that 25,000 homes and businesses would be added to the network every week.
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If only the same progress was being made pro rata in England. At this rate in 4 years time when 95% of the UK has access to superfast (minimum 2 Mbps - wow). 4% left out will be in England.
If you believe that the 95% does not turn into another failed target by the UK Government that is.
Can't wait for the General Election Promises in May 2015 - for England - most of the rest of the UK will be well ahead by then and can laugh at the struggle the digital peasants in England have.