Gigabit-capable broadband coverage continues to rise in Pembrokeshire
Mae cwmpas band eang sy'n gallu trosglwyddo ar gyfradd Gigadid yn parhau i gynyddu yn Sir Benfro
The rollout of gigabit-capable broadband in Pembrokeshire is progressing rapidly, with the support of the Swansea Bay City Deal's Digital Infrastructure Programme. The latest figures highlight significant year-on-year growth in this broadband coverage, underscoring the project's success and the commitment to enhancing digital connectivity in the region.
The rate of build has been impressive, with coverage sitting at just 7.6% at the end of March 2021. Moving forward to end of March 2024, 48.2% of Pembrokeshire’s residents and businesses had access to gigabit-capable broadband and now this figure has now risen again to 65.1% (This is the correct figure to the end of March 2025 :Source ThinkBroadband).
Rollout has included successful projects delivered with funding from the UK government’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme.
In Pembrokeshire, the programme has been bolstered by having two Digital Champions who have fostered strong working relationships within Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC). These partnerships ensure that any civil engineering works are scheduled around the busy tourist economy and other infrastructure projects, minimising disruption.
Significant collaborative work has also taken place, contributing to their being a range of suppliers actively working in Pembrokeshire. These include Openreach, Ogi, Voneus, and local company Dragon WiFi. Their efforts have been instrumental in delivering high-speed internet to more homes and businesses across the county.
To increase coverage further, Openreach is delivering a £289 million contract across parts of South Wales as part of UK government’s Project Gigabit, which will connect around 131,000 homes and businesses in some of Britain’s most remote locations to fast, reliable broadband.
The benefits of improved connectivity are manifold, including enhanced access to online services, better opportunities for remote work and education, and a boost to the local economy.
Cllr Paul Miller said, "The progress we are seeing in Pembrokeshire is a testament to the hard work and collaboration between the council, our partners, and the local community. We are committed to ensuring that everyone in Pembrokeshire can benefit from fast, reliable internet access."
Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council and Chair of the Swansea Bay City Deal Joint Committee said: “Having year-on-year increases in the amount of Gigabit-capable broadband coverage in Pembrokeshire is a huge achievement for everyone who has collaboratively worked towards increasing that figure. Bringing better connectivity to everyone who lives, works and visits Pembrokeshire is a fundamental part of boosting the local economy and providing more in the way of opportunities for the future and it is imperative that this work continues so that everyone has the chance to reap those benefits.”