Local Broadband Fund update details social benefits

An update on the Welsh Government’s £12m Local Broadband Fund has detailed the programme's progress and the benefits it has brought for businesses and residents.

Amongst the beneficiaries are three adult residential care homes in Newport, enabling residents to keep in touch with family through apps such as Skype and Zoom.

The homes have also introduced assistive technology to help staff members monitor residents with health conditions efficiently.

Additionally, 17 public sector services in North Wales, including rural libraries and community councils, now have fibre-to-the-premises connections.

In Cardiff, an early phase of 83 premises, which were previously limited to below-30Mbps services, are now connected with gigabit capable internet speeds. The next phase is underway and working to deliver similar connectivity to a further 632 premises.

This project also provides “free for life” gigabit-capable broadband to fifteen community centres spaces, supporting local initiatives and educational programmes.

The broadband expansion continues with several ongoing projects set to be completed by March 2025 in Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire, and Powys.

The Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Rebecca Evans, said: “The Local Broadband Fund has already made a real difference, delivering tangible improvements to businesses, public services, and communities across Wales.

“By expanding digital access, we’re helping to create new opportunities for economic growth, employment, and education, as well as enhancing the quality of life for residents.”