Progress in Recent Years
- Significant strides in digital infrastructure have been made across Mid Wales, though significant rural challenges persist.
- Major projects, such as WG Superfast Cymru, have brought gigabit and superfast capable broadband to thousands of premises, enhancing digital inclusion. Several publicly and commercially funded projects ongoing to enhance current provision.
FTTP (Fiber to the Premises)
- Mid Wales (Prog. start - Apr 22): 27.7%
- Mid Wales (Current - Jun 24): 50.6% (+22.9%)
- Wales Average: 66.7%
- UK Average: 67%
- Properties remaining: 59,989
Superfast (30Mbps+)
- Mid Wales (Prog. start - Apr 22): 86.3%
- Mid Wales (Current - Jun 24): 89.7% (+3.4%)
- Wales Average: 97.3%
- UK Average: 98%
- Properties remaining: 12,508
Below 10 Mbps (USO)
- Mid Wales (Current - Jun 24): 6.5%
- Wales Average: 1.6%
- UK Average: 1.2%
- Properties remaining: 7,893
- Broadband comparison in Mid Wales
4G mobile coverage has expanded, particularly through interventions provided by the Shared Rural Network (SRN) programme, but multiple interventions have yet to deliver. Areas of poor mobile coverage and capacity provision will remain following SRN intervention.
- Forecast impact of SRN in Wales
Mid and West Wales
- 4G Coverage from all 4 MNOs
- Pre SRN: 51%
- Forecast post SRN: 78%
- 4G Coverage from at least 1 MNO
- Pre SRN: 86%
- Forecast post SRN: 97%
North Wales
4G Coverage from all 4 MNOs
- Pre SRN: 63%
- Forecast post SRN: 83%
- 4G Coverage from at least 1 MNO
- Pre SRN: 93%
- Forecast post SRN: 98%
South Wales Central
- 4G Coverage from all 4 MNOs
- Pre SRN: 82%
- Forecast post SRN: 90%
- 4G Coverage from at least 1 MNO
- Pre SRN: 98%
- Forecast post SRN: 99%
South Wales East
- 4G Coverage from all 4 MNOs
- Pre SRN: 71%
- Forecast post SRN: 89%
- 4G Coverage from at least 1 MNO
- Pre SRN: 95%
- Forecast post SRN: 99%
South Wales West
- 4G Coverage from all 4 MNOs
- Pre SRN: 79%
- Forecast post SRN: 88%
- 4G Coverage from at least 1 MNO
- Pre SRN: 97%
- Forecast post SRN: 99%
Forecast impact of SRN in Wales
- Powys and Ceredigion County Councils are embracing and advancing new technologies such as LoRaWAN to support business and organisational operations. Both Counties currently having highest number of LoRaWAN gateways deployed in comparison to other Local Authorities.
County Gateways
- Powys 64
- Ceredigion 52
- Carmarthenshire 46
- Gwynedd 45
- Rhondda Cynon Taff 35
- Pembrokeshire 34
- Example of LoRaWAN gateway deployment
Key Challenges
- Broadband Provision - Despite progress, both gigabit and superfast broadband still lags behind other areas of Wales and UK. Several publicly and commercially funded projects taking place across region.
- Mobile Provision - Coverage and capacity in some areas remains limited due to the topography. SPF funded project underway to independently 'map' data to support intervention and project development.
- Digital Skills Gap - The region, which has a growing and aging demographic, requires targeted support to adapt to and benefit from new digital technologies. This approach will help in bridging the digital divide and fostering economic growth.
- Funding - the scale of the issue is vast and following UK and Welsh Government initiatives, such as SRN, Project Gigabit, VHTR, as well as investment from GMW, it is likely that poorly connected areas will remain.
Opportunities
- 5G Networks - An assessment of Mid Wales 5G provision is currently in progress, aimed at substantially enhancing connectivity. This initiative is contingent upon securing partners capable of augmenting spectrum coverage, particularly critical during the peak tourist season when available bandwidth is notably strained.
- Emerging Technologies - Leveraging LoRaWAN, Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) can transform key sectors such as agriculture.
- Alternative broadband solutions - Providers engaged to deploy alternative broadband solutions to overcome topography and sparse population.
- Cross-Border Collaboration - Partnerships between Powys and Ceredigion border communities can maximise the impact of connectivity projects. i.e. ANW, SBCD, River Severn Partnership.
- Levelling Up Initiatives - Growing Mid Wales and related initiatives can bring strategic funding and focus to the region.
- Test bed Opportunities -Pilot projects carried out in Mid Wales to test validity of scale i.e. DSIT satellite broadband trials.
GMW Digital Programme to Date
- £10.6m 'ring fenced' for the delivery of the digital workstream. Aims to accelerate and compliment other publicly and commercially funded deployments of digital infrastructure. Predominantly broadband and mobile provision.
Programme Objectives
- Increase contribution of existing public/private investment in digital infrastructure by £100m to deliver a RoI of £180m by 2030 (attracting investment, delivering economic return)
- Achieve a target of 80% of outdoor 4G mobile data coverage by all operators by the end of 2026 (Capacity, Coverage and acceleration). This includes 4G coverage of at least 1800MHz and a minimum of mid band 5G.
- Achieve a target of 60% full fibre coverage by the end of 2026 (Coverage and acceleration)
- Achieve a target of 98% superfast coverage by the end of 2026 (Coverage and acceleration)
Current work completed
- Continued engagement with several broadband and mobile operators, supporting the deployment of both commercially and publicly funded deployments with several million pounds being invested into the Region.
- Comprehensive mobile data mapping platform, through SPF funding, to support the identification of intervention areas and to support decision making upon prioritisation, with a first of its kind independent publicly available coverage checker.
- Approval of Open Access Agreements (in Ceredigion and progressing in Powys), as recommended by DSIT to provide the use of Council Assets by network providers to enhance mobile and broadband wireless networks.
- Business engagement through GMW Business Digital Connectivity Survey. 91 responses with specific regional insights into digital connectivity needs across Ceredigion and Powys businesses.
- Identification of several projects, with the development of appropriate business cases being progressed.
Future Plans
- Mobile Infrastructure - Enhancement of both mobile network coverage and capacity, leveraging small cell deployments through the use of open Access Agreements (OAA) mirrored across the Region in both Ceredigion and Powys.
- Broadband - Extending gigabit capable fibre and broadband to additional premises as part of the DIST Type C procurement initiative and for those not included in other commercial deployments.
- LoRaWAN/ IOT Stimulation - Further increasing the coverage of the Regions existing LoRaWAN network to ensure coverage in all towns and strategic employment sites, whilst engaging with businesses to effectively exploit the network.
- Business Park FTTP Connectivity - Ensuring that as many remaining business park properties are connected to FTTP provision as possible, to ensure effective business operations, to attract new business and support business growth.
- Digital Hubs - Establishing a network of 'digitally enabled' hubs across Powys and Ceredigion providing increased provision of digital connectivity to residents and businesses, supporting greater access to services, digital skills and business incubation.
Ceredigion County Council Digital Initiatives
Rural Community Connectivity
Partnership with Voneus
- Alternate provider of full fibre and gigabit wireless access.
- Bringing fibre broadband to 5,000 rural properties.
- Leveraging an Open Access Agreement (OAA) mutuality signed with Ceredigion County Council in May 2024.
Support to Openreach
Delivering three commercially led, Voucher-supported projects:
- Tregaron: 778 property potential / £994K Voucher Funding potential - Now in Build.
- Rhywydlewis: 762 property potential / £994K Voucher Funding potential - Achieved Funding Target / Build to Start.
- Maesycrugiau: 246 property potential / £333K Voucher Funding potential - Project awaiting public launch.
Mobile Mast Upgrades
- Increasing mobile coverage in northern Ceredigion
- Supported by the Shared Rural Network (SRN).
- Three masts delivered and operational; a further eight under construction, expected by end of 2025.
Community Digital Support
Business Parks
- Support to be provided through the "Ceredigion & Powys Digital Booster" initiative.
- Funding sought from the Growing Mid Wales Regional partnership.
- Aim: Close full fibre gaps in coverage, ensuring all designated Business Parks have access to full fibre Gigabit capable Broadband (indicative costings awaited).
LoRaWAN Network
- Ceredigion has 52 strategically positioned gateways.
- Second only to Powys in Wales for coverage.
- Uses innovative methods, such as bin trucks, to test network effectiveness.
- Continuous monitoring of gateways to maintain optimal connectivity.
- Supports economic and technological development.
Town Wi-Fi Access
- Supported by SPF funding, seven towns now offer Wi-Fi access to residents and businesses.
- Funded wholly or partially by contributions from Community Councils.
- 48 portals supported by Meraki routers.
- Enhanced connectivity in Aberystwyth, Lampeter, New Quay, Aberaeron, Cardigan, Llandysul, and Tregaron.
- Strategic placement of portals for robust Wi-Fi coverage.
- Promotes digital inclusion and supports economic activities.
- Ensures reliable internet access in public spaces and business districts.
- Highlights Ceredigion's commitment to leveraging technology for community and economic development.
SENSEi Introduction
- Led by Smart Busnes [sic], the engaged towns are now preparing to enhance the effectiveness of their coverage with the introduction of a SENSEi overlay. SENSEi, an AI-driven technology, will provide advanced data analytics and machine learning capabilities to optimise the Wi-Fi network. By integrating real-time monitoring and predictive analytics, SENSEi will ensure robust, reliable, and efficient internet access. This will further promote digital inclusion, support local businesses, and foster economic growth in these smart towns.
Powys County Council Digital Initiatives
- Rural Community Connectivity
- Local Broadband Fund
- Award contract to Openreach via BT Wholesale to connect up to 165 Hard to reach premises in Powys along with additional accidental connections - works to start immediately and completion 2025. The project will apply an alternative methodology to tackling the issue of connecting hard to reach properties, with the potential to demonstrate affordability for alternative funding models.
Partnership with Voneus
- Alternate provider of full fibre and gigabit wireless access.
- Bringing fibre broadband to 12,000 rural properties.
- Leveraging an Open Access Agreement (OAA) mutuality signed with Powys County Council in discussions with legal and HOD for the ability to use Powys Street Furniture to host both mobile and fibre devices to enhance connectivity.
Support to Openreach
Delivering 7 (Seven) commercially led, Voucher-supported projects:
- Llanbrynmair: 223 property potential / £423K Voucher Funding potential - Now in Build.
- Kerry: 514 Property potential / £738K Voucher Funding potential - Now in Build.
- New Radnor: 239 Property potential / £342K Vouching Funding potential - Now in Build.
- Llanwrtyd Wells: 216 Property potential / £630 Voucher Funding potential - Now in Build.
- Llanrhaeadr: 380 Property potential / £580K Voucher Funding Potential - Now in Build.
- Berriew: 336 Property potential / £621K Voucher Funding Potential - Now in Build.
- Tregynon: 411 Property potential / £612k Voucher Funding potential - Closing on Funding Target / Build to Start.
Streetwave GMW mobile reporting
GMW have placed mobile reporting sensors in 12 Powys Refuse Trucks that cover the length and breadth of the authority that reports back into a dashboard to deep dive mobile connectivity issues in Powys - this data will be invaluable when speaking to Mobile operators with BT on the proposed stop sell of copper lines and the withdrawal of the tradition PSTN phone lines. It will enable to report independent findings to OFCOM in target areas of residential concerns.
Town Centre Wi-Fi Access
Supported through Transforming Towns and SPF funding we have 7 Powys Town Centres operating Free Wi-Fi with footfall data powered by Patrwm available open source to businesses, 3rd sector and public. We have 3 additional towns planned in a next tranche of SPF Funding
Develop Digital support for the Local Communities
Through the help of SPF funding Powys granted a digital programme to Owens Consultancy that delivers Digital Place plans to 3 Powys Towns along with working with businesses and residents in fundamental Technology learning and training. It also gives the opportunities for residents to embark on a more in-depth IT subject to gain qualifications. This has been carried out in Ystradgynlais, Llanfair Caerinion and Crickhowell.
https://powysdigitaltowns.info/index.php
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