Next generation broadband project to boost Welsh economy

First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, has announced a new deal with BT which aims to deliver Next Generation Broadband to 96 per cent of homes and businesses in Wales by the end of 2015.

The agreement, subject to state aid and major projects approval from the European Commission, is the largest project of its kind in the UK and will make Wales a global leader in fibre broadband. The First Minister has outlined how the project will use public and private funds to deliver fibre broadband to parts of the country not covered by commercial plans.

The new fibre broadband will provide speeds that are approximately 15 times faster than those available in Wales today, with ultra-fast broadband providing even faster speeds should businesses need it. More than 1.3 million premises in Wales will have access to world class broadband speeds. The initiative will take the total amount invested in Welsh fibre broadband to around £425 million.

As a result of winning the contract, BT will create 50 new jobs and 100 new apprenticeships. 320 existing jobs will also be protected. In addition, BT will offer work experience to 900 young people. Up to 2,500 further full time jobs could be created throughout the Welsh economy over time.

Today’s agreement exceeds the target of the UK Government to delivering faster broadband to 90 per cent of the UK population.