Ex-rugby star to transform Welsh broadband networks

Rupert Moon, the former Wales scrum half and captain of the Llanelli RFC, has vowed to improve broadband networks across Wales following his decision to join the board of i4 Technology Group – an association that delivers fibre infrastructure across the country that supports gigabit-speeds.

Led by Welsh entrepreneur Elfred Thomas, and located in Bangor, the i4 Technology Group aims to assist the nation with its full fibre rollout plans and to accelerate the country’s access to top broadband speeds, which presently is only available to 7 per cent of all premises in Wales.

This is in comparison to 36.4 per cent availability across the European Union.

Moon commented: “Over a decade ago, Wales had ambitions to be a European leader in the broadband revolution, and we haven’t achieved that. On the rugby pitch, despite being a small nation, we strive to be the best and most advanced we can be, and I want to apply that same approach to our connectivity.

“The i4 Technology Group is at the forefront of fibre innovation, and I’m excited to be part of delivering the much-needed infrastructure that will help Wales be the best it can be: future proofing our homes, enabling people to digitally upskill, enhancing business capabilities, and ultimately boosting the Welsh economy. We believe that pure fibre should be accessible to everyone, and between the i4 Technology Group’s subsidiaries, we want to make sure no one in Wales is left behind.”

Using his years of experience in marketing and community engagement after his successful rugby career, Moon will take on the position of Director of Corporate and Social Responsibility. Joining him will be Chris Hawkins as Chief Financial Officer, who will bring extensive financial, management and accounting experience to the table.

The subsidiary companies of i4 Technology have set goals to develop infrastructure throughout Wales to provide premises with the ability to access download speeds of up to 1Gbps.