Welsh businesses to get up to speed with superfast broadband
Welsh businesses have received a huge boost in their bid to get access to faster broadband thanks to a £12.5 million investment.
The Welsh Government has launched a £12.5 million scheme, which is not designed to implement superfast broadband infrastructure, but rather to help businesses make the most of the superfast broadband that is already available thanks to schemes such as Superfast Cymru and Access Broadband Cymru.
At present it is estimated that 79 per cent of premises in Wales have access to superfast broadband. However, many small businesses are not taking full advantage of this by either not signing up for superfast broadband or not making the most of the potential it offers.
With the additional finances, businesses will now be able to access support and advice through Business Wales. There will also be workshops, clinics and one-to-one sessions to help show them what they can achieve with superfast broadband.
The funding pot created by the Welsh Government is looking to address this issue. The investment has come from the European Regional Development Fund, which has put forward £7 million, and the rest being supplied by local authorities.
Deputy minister for skills and technology, Julie James, said: "We are making tremendous progress in bringing superfast broadband across Wales.
"To reap the maximum economic benefit from this investment it is simply not enough for businesses to take up superfast broadband. To take full advantage of the superfast-enabled technologies businesses need to use them to change and improve the way they work."
She added that “it is not just about doing things quicker, it is about doing things smarter", and this £12.5 million has been launched for this purpose. Ms James said the project's goal was to make sure Welsh businesses "make the most of what superfast broadband can offer".
Almost all businesses today need reliable, superfast broadband, which is not always available in their area, so getting a dedicated leased line for the premises can be the best solution. hSo provides managed networks designed for business - to get an instant cost for a leased line at your location, visit our online leased line price checker.
