Superfast broadband hits 100,000 mark across Wales

More than 100,000 premises can now access superfast broadband, according to the Welsh Government.

Broadband speeds delivered by the Superfast Cymru programme to date are three times greater than the UK average.

The average download speed available to premises able to access fast fibre broadband is reaching 61 Megabits per seconds (Mbps).

According to Ofcom in November 2013 the average broadband download speed across the UK was 17.8Mbps.

Superfast Cymru, a partnership between Welsh Government and BT, is taking fibre broadband to parts of the country not covered by commercial plans.

So far engineers have installed in excess of 300 new fibre broadband cabinets with more appearing every day.

It is the largest partnership of its kind in the UK working to give, when combined with private sector roll-outs, 96% of premises in Wales access to fast fibre broadband in 2016.

Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology Ken Skates said: “Our plans for superfast broadband are the most ambitious in the UK providing faster broadband to a greater proportion premises more quickly.

“The fact that where premises are already benefiting as a result of the programme, with an average speed three times the UK average, shows the positive impact it is having as roll-out continues.

“This is a huge project which will make a significant difference to businesses and households across Wales.”

Ed Hunt, BT’s Programme Director for Superfast Cymru, said: “The broadband speeds being delivered by Superfast Cymru are giving the people of Wales access to data hungry applications and content that until recently was just a dream.

“Great progress is being made but the sheer scale of the programme means we still have a long way to go. We look forward to changing the lives of households across Wales and the growth opportunities for Welsh businesses, all brought about by our deployment.”