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Superfast Cymru delivers broadband speeds three times UK average

Superfast broadband customers in Wales are now getting internet speeds up to three times the UK average, according to Welsh Government figures. 

Average speeds delivered by the Superfast Cymru programme are said to be 61Mbps, which is head and shoulders above the UK national averagewhich is 17.8Mbps, according to Ofcom’s latest figures

Over Welsh 100,000 homes and businesses are now able to access faster fibre-based broadband as a result of the programme. 

Superfast Cymru is a joint venture between the Welsh Government and BT and aims to connect 96 per cent of Wales to next-gen broadband, delivering speeds of at least 25Mbps, by 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.” 

The majority of premises covered by Superfast Cymru will be connected to FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet) lines, which currently deliver top speeds of 80Mbps. Trials of technology such as vectoring and G.fast could see the top speeds available on FTTC increasing, but, like ADSL broadband, the top speed you’ll get on an FTTC line ultimately depends on your location. The further away your home or business is from a connected street cabinet, the slower the speeds are. 

Other locations across Wales will benefit from faster and future-proofed FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) lines providing speeds of up to 330Mbps. Those living in the 4 per cent will receive a basic broadband service guaranteeing speeds of at least 2Mbps. 

The Welsh Government is also investigating how the £30 million Fibrespeed network in north Wales, co-funded with cash from the Welsh Government, EU and Geo Networks, can be used to extend the superfast footprint. 

 

 

 

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