Talks are happening with Openreach to connect more remote areas across Britain. Credit: Shutterstock

The UK Government has announced that it will make £170m available to deliver digital infrastructure for 70,000 homes and businesses in Wales.

A deal signed with Openreach will deliver gigabit-capable broadband for hard-to-reach premises as figures show the nation records the lowest levels of gigabit connectivity in Great Britain.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Peter Kyle said: “Within weeks of taking office, we have already taken the steps to begin providing faster broadband to tens of thousands of people across Wales. The signing of this major contract with Openreach ensures we are on track to achieve full gigabit coverage by 2030.

“Robust digital infrastructure is vital for competitiveness, productivity and growth, and we are committed to delivering for hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses, focusing particularly on areas that have been left behind, such as Wales.”

The upgrade will apply to some of the most remote parts of the country from the South Wales Valleys to the Llyn Peninsula, giving residents and businesses access to the fastest connection on the market.

It is the first UK Government contract under Project Gigabit – the government’s flagship £5bn programme to enable hard-to-reach communities to access lightning-fast gigabit-capable broadband.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The government hopes the deal will support those that would otherwise be left behind with poor digital infrastructure.

The increase in connectivity aims to reduce regional disparities and stimulate local rural economies.

Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens said: “I’m delighted that so many people in harder to reach areas in Wales will be benefitting from this deal. We are all increasingly dependent on high-speed broadband to work efficiently, access vital services and enjoy our leisure time.

“At the moment we have too many people, especially in the more remote areas of Wales who can’t properly access the online world, and I’m pleased that thanks to this substantial investment from the UK Government, work on fixing that is starting now.”