As the Partnerships Director for Wales at Openreach, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing first-hand the transformative power of digital connectivity on rural communities.
Historically, rural Wales has often been seen as remote, isolated, and somewhat disconnected from the broader economic trends. However, with the advent of Full Fibre broadband, that definition of a rural economy has fundamentally changed. Today, with the right infrastructure in place, rural Wales is not just part of the national economy but part of the global economy.
At Openreach, we’ve invested over £280 million in rolling out Full Fibre infrastructure across Wales. I’m proud to say that more than 60% of homes and businesses in Wales now have access to our full fibre network, and we’re building at a rapid pace. Later this year, we’ll hit a major milestone – passing over a million homes with Full Fibre connectivity. By 2030, I’m confident we’ll reach 93% to 94% of all homes and businesses across Wales, giving even the most remote communities access to world-class digital infrastructure.
This expansion of connectivity is about far more than just faster internet speeds. It’s about opening doors to new opportunities, creating jobs, and ensuring that rural areas can thrive in the 21st century digital economy. For businesses in rural Wales, having access to reliable, ultrafast broadband is crucial. It allows them to tap into new markets, expand their operations, and compete on a global scale. It enables small enterprises, from local artisans to tech startups, to reach customers far beyond their immediate area.
For communities, this means people no longer have to leave their rural homes to access economic opportunities. They can live in the stunning Welsh countryside while working for companies anywhere in the world, or even running their own businesses online. This combination of connectivity and lifestyle is a game-changer, helping to retain talent in rural areas that previously might have been lost to cities or even other countries.
We’ve worked closely with both the Welsh and UK Governments to ensure that even the most remote areas of Wales are not left behind. Through a co-funded model, we’ve been able to bring together commercial investment with government support to reach areas that are not commercially viable on their own. It’s this kind of collaboration that ensures every corner of Wales can benefit from digital connectivity.
Just this summer, the UK Government announced a new £170 million project to help connect more than 70,000 hard-to-reach rural properties in Wales. This project will continue to build on the work we’re doing, making sure that even the most isolated homes and businesses can access the Full Fibre network. By 2030, we’ll have connected virtually all of Wales, which is a remarkable achievement considering the geography and population spread of our country.
The network we’re building is more than just an upgrade; it’s a future-proof solution. The old copper network, which has served us well for decades, is being replaced with fibre optic technology that will last for generations. This isn’t just about meeting today’s demand for faster speeds, this network is designed to handle the needs of tomorrow as well. We’re talking about speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second, with the ability to go even faster as bandwidth demands increase. And all that’s needed to boost these speeds further is an upgrade in the electronics at the exchange.
This new fibre network is truly transformational. It will drive economic growth for the next generation and beyond.
What we’re building today will continue to serve Welsh businesses and communities for the next 100 years. It’s the foundation for a digital economy that is inclusive, far-reaching, and built to last.
As we continue to expand our Full Fibre network across Wales, we’re not just building a better internet- we’re building a better future for the rural economy. By 2030, I believe Wales will be a leader in rural connectivity, showing the world how even the most remote areas can thrive in the digital age.
