The latest Digital Infrastructure Programme Report produced by Farrpoint, shows this investment was driven by a combination of City Deal funding, wider public sector support and sustained private sector commercial rollout, delivering faster broadband and improved mobile connectivity for communities and businesses across Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot and Pembrokeshire.
Of the total investment, £2.2 million was delivered through the Swansea Bay City Deal Digital Infrastructure Programme, funding major projects such as Dark Fibre East and the PSBA Full Fibre Infrastructure Build, alongside programme activity that helps unlock long term economic growth. A further £6.1 million of public sector funding supported connectivity in areas less likely to benefit from commercial rollout alone, particularly in rural and hard to reach communities. The majority of investment, £36.4 million, came from the private sector, underlining continued confidence in the region’s digital future.
This investment is already delivering tangible benefits. Improved broadband speeds and gigabit capable connections are enabling residents to work more flexibly from home, access online services more reliably and take part in digital learning.
For businesses, stronger digital infrastructure is supporting growth, innovation and productivity, helping firms operate more efficiently, reach wider markets and attract investment. Enhanced mobile coverage is also improving day to day connectivity, supporting everything from tourism and events to public services and rural industries.
As a result, digital connectivity across the region continues to strengthen. Gigabit capable broadband now reaches more than three quarters of premises, superfast broadband coverage continues to increase, and mobile coverage has improved across all four local authority areas, with fewer 4G not spots and wider availability of 5G services. Jonathan Burnes, Swansea Bay City Deal’s Portfolio Director said:
This investment is about far more than digital infrastructure. It is about creating lasting benefits for people, businesses and communities across the Swansea Bay City Region. Strong digital connectivity supports inclusive economic growth, helping businesses to innovate, attract investment and create quality jobs, while enhancing skills, education and access to services. It also enables improvements in public service delivery, including supporting wellbeing and more efficient ways of working. City Deal funding is playing a vital role in unlocking wider public and private investment and ensuring that communities across the region, including rural areas, are able to fully participate in and benefit from a modern digital economy.Jonathan Burnes, Swansea Bay City Deal
The continued level of investment highlights the importance of partnership working between the Swansea Bay City Deal, local authorities, national programmes and industry, as they work together to build a more connected, resilient and inclusive region.