As 2025 draws to a close, the Swansea Bay City Deal’s Digital Infrastructure Programme is marking a year defined by momentum, collaboration and meaningful progress for communities across South West Wales.
A major highlight of the year was the launch of the Better Broadband Infill Project, which will bring fibre broadband to more than 1,500 hard-to-reach premises across the region. This investment is a real step forward in closing the digital gap, making sure more homes and businesses can benefit from better digital access.
The programme also delivered a £1.9 million full-fibre upgrade across 69 public-sector sites, equipping libraries, leisure centres, country parks and public spaces with modern, future-proof connectivity. These improvements are already helping services operate more efficiently and enhancing the experience for visitors and residents alike.
The Dark Fibre East project is nearing completion, linking strategic public sector sites in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot providing resilient, secure connectivity for the local authorities, Swansea University, University Wales Trinity Saint David and local health boards.
The Dark Fibre Carmarthenshire project was awarded back in March with work well underway with half of the 41 connections across key public sector buildings already completed. The investment from both these projects is laying the foundations for smarter services, seamless data sharing, and innovative digital applications in health, education, and local government.
The Programme's 5G Innovation Fund has supported emerging activity in health, wellbeing and education across the region, expanding 5G coverage and unlocking the potential of newly deployed digital infrastructure. Led by Swansea University, a range of pioneering use cases have been delivered, positioning the region at the forefront of innovation and creating fresh opportunities for economic growth.
All four counties have become better connected through fibre community partnerships and commercial roll outs, providing more homes with fibre broadband than ever.
Beyond building networks, the programme has focused on creating lasting impact working with suppliers to deliver a range of social value initiatives aimed at improving digital inclusion. Providing free broadband to registered charities and Community Interest Companies across the region to support them with their activities as well as funding much needed devices. These efforts reflect our commitment to building an inclusive digital future for local people and communities.
A heartfelt thank you goes to all programme, supplier and infrastructure partners as well as the dedicated Welsh and UK Government teams whose commitment and collaboration have been crucial in accelerating delivery and ensuring communities across the region feel the benefits of this work.
As we look ahead to 2026, the programme enters the new year with energy, optimism and a shared ambition to build on the achievements of 2025.