Plans to bring ultrafast broadband to nearly 2,000 homes

Plans to bring new, ultrafast broadband to nearly 2,000 homes in Caerphilly County Borough have been announced by Openreach.

In total, 1,868 homes are set to benefit from the plans, including homes in Bargoed, Blackwood, Hengoed, Machen, Nelson, Newbridge, Senghenydd and Ynysddu.

It comes as part of Openreach’s plans to bring ultrafast Full Fibre Broadband to more than three million homes and businesses across the UK, and more than 400,000 in Wales.

Openreach, which is part of BT, is hoping to create 7,000 jobs across Wales in the process.

Research carried out by the Centre for Business and Economic Research, and commissioned by Openreach, calculated the plans could boost worker productivity in the UK by £59bn by 2025.

The plans have been welcomed by Caerphilly’s Labour Senedd Member Hefin David, who said the pandemic has highlighted the importance of having good broadband connection.

Dr David said: “The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted positive changes for many, with regards to work/life balance and the value of spending more time in our local communities.

“I am keen to encourage this idea of community hubs and flexible working beyond the pandemic. However in order to achieve that, our commuter towns – such as Bargoed and Senghenydd, need to be brought up to speed with more efficient Broadband.”

He added: “While broadband is not devolved, I am thrilled to see that Welsh Government are working with Openreach to take action in improving connectivity across all parts of Wales. I will work with them to bring the changes needed to update all parts of my constituency. ”