Welsh superfast broadband schemes expanded
by Nicholas Fearn , January 6
Two schemes launched and ran by the Welsh Government are being expanded in a bid to increase the availability of superfast broadband in Wales.
The government is making changes to the Access Broadband Cymru and Ultrafast Connectivity Voucher schemes that’ll allow more people to access superfast broadband.
Over a two-year period, all homes and businesses in Wales without a superfast connection will be able to benefit from the Access Broadband Cymru scheme.
They’ll be able to get funding or part funding for the installation of new broadband connections that deliver fast download speeds. Participants will be eligible to receive £400 for download speeds of 10mbps and above and £800 for 30mbps and above.
As well as this, the Ultrafast Connectivity Voucher is being opened up to all businesses in Wales to support them in meeting the costs of installing ultrafast broadband services.
Businesses will be able to get a grant of up to £10,000. Previously, this scheme was only available to firms based in Wales’s Enterprise and Local Growth Zones.
Wales already has the best provision of superfast broadband among the British developed nations, and over 530,000 Welsh premises so far have access thanks to Superfast Cymru.
Julie James, the deputy minister for skills and technology, said: “Superfast broadband is vital for homes and businesses, which is why the Welsh Government is committed to bringing faster broadband speeds to communities across Wales.
“These two expanded schemes, together with Superfast Cymru, our project to provide wireless broadband to 2000 premises on business parks and industrial estates, and the commercial roll-out by private companies, will make superfast speeds available to all homes and businesses across Wales.
“All the measures we are taking are helping to make Wales one of the best-connected countries in the world.”