Superfast Cymru delivers broadband speeds three times UK average
1 May 2014 02:53 PM
Broadband speeds
delivered by the Superfast Cymru programme to date are three times greater than
the UK average – with the average download speed available to those
premises already able to access fast fibre broadband reaching 61 Megabits per
second (Mbps)
Over 100,000 premises which are
now able to access fast fibre broadband, as a result of Superfast Cymru, have
been tested and verified as being able to receive superfast speeds. The
average download speed of 61 Mbps is also more than double the contractual
minimum for the programme. 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 per cent 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 superfast
deployment."