Written question WQ97738

Fast and reliable broadband is increasingly seen as vital for economic growth, helping businesses thrive, creating jobs and building a stronger, more prosperous future for our communities across Wales.

Responsibility for improving broadband connectivity in Wales where the market does not reach, rests with the UK Government. The UK government is committed to achieving nationwide gigabit coverage and expects 99% of premises to have access to a gigabit-capable connection by 2032 and is delivering in Wales through its Project Gigabit investment programme.

Despite telecommunications not being devolved to Wales, we have helped provide access to gigabit capable broadband to more than 44,000 properties across Wales through our full fibre rollout (2019 to 2023). Our Digital strategy for Wales outlines how we will continue to use the levers at our disposal to support businesses, homes and the public sector in Wales to receive the connectivity they need.

We have developed a business case for the Extending High-Speed Broadband (EHSB) project, to provide fast and reliable broadband to the remaining premises that do not have access to at least superfast broadband speeds of 30Mbps or above and are not in any plans for delivery by either commercial or publicly funded rollouts. EHSB will be technology neutral to reach the widest number of premises.