David Hedges at his eco-home in rural Carmarthenshire (Image: Welsh Government)
Last Updated: 8 seconds ago
A Welsh Government initiative helping properties in hard-to-reach areas get online has now supported 1,000 homes and businesses across Wales.
The Access Broadband Cymru (ABC) scheme offers grants of up to £800 per property to cover the cost of equipment and installation for fast, reliable broadband – targeting premises that cannot get connected through any other means.
Real-world difference
For David Hedges and his partner, living in a rural eco-home in Carmarthenshire, the grant has been life-changing. Working from home with download speeds that rarely topped 30 Mbps over a 4G connection, he regularly struggled with virtual meetings, webinars and even streaming TV.
Since getting connected through the scheme, his speeds now sit between 150 and 450 Mbps.
David described the difference as “priceless”, saying:
“So much of our lives revolve around internet access that having a fast, reliable service has removed so many hassles in terms of ordering goods and services, making appointments, being able to have uninterrupted phone calls and all the benefits I assume people in towns and cities never have to question.”
He added that his installation was a DIY job and “a little complicated” due to the airtight design of his eco-house, along with the need to mount a satellite dish high enough to clear surrounding trees – but said for most users it would simply involve fixing a dish to the property and running a cable through a wall.
Scheme relaunch
The programme was paused and relaunched last year following a review of its operations. Since returning, grants have been processed more quickly and the average cost per claim has fallen – meaning the funding is reaching more people.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said:
“Fast, reliable broadband connectivity is essential for modern life.
“The ABC scheme was designed to ensure no one in Wales is left behind in our digital society – including those in the very hardest to reach premises.
“Reaching the 1,000 properties milestone shows the scheme is delivering for people across Wales, helping improve their lives by providing the internet speeds they need.”
More information about the scheme and available solutions can be found at gov.wales/broadband-in-wales.
