BT Wins £10 Million Contract to Expand Broadband in Swansea Bay City Region

BT has secured a major £10 million contract to bring high-speed broadband to thousands of homes and businesses across the Swansea Bay City Region. The telecom giant will work to fill in coverage gaps and upgrade existing infrastructure in the area over the next 18 months.

Connecting the Unconnected

The project aims to provide fast, reliable internet access to 2,500 premises that currently lack sufficient broadband service. These “white premises” are primarily located in rural and hard-to-reach areas of Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, and Pembrokeshire.

“I’m thrilled that we’ll finally have proper broadband,” said Gwen Hughes, a resident of Clydach. “It’s been a struggle working from home and keeping my kids connected for school with our slow, patchy internet.”

Boosting Speeds and Reliability

In addition to expanding coverage, BT will also work to upgrade existing networks in the region. The company plans to boost speeds for around 35,000 premises, with the goal of providing download speeds of at least 30 Mbps.

“Reliable, high-speed internet is essential for modern life,” noted Rhys Davies, a small business owner in Llanelli. “This investment will make a real difference for local companies like mine.”

Funding and Partnerships

The £10 million contract is part of the Swansea Bay City Deal, a £1.3 billion investment program aimed at transforming the region’s economy. The project will be funded by a combination of public and private sector contributions.

BT will collaborate with the Welsh Government, local authorities, and other partners to deliver the broadband improvements. The company expects to create up to 50 new jobs in the region as a result of the contract.

Digital Inclusion and Skills

As part of the project, BT will also support digital inclusion initiatives and skills training in the Swansea Bay City Region. The company plans to work with schools, libraries, and community centers to help residents build digital confidence and take advantage of new opportunities online.

“We’re committed to ensuring that everyone can benefit from the digital revolution,” said Sarah Jones, BT’s regional director for Wales. “This project is about more than just infrastructure – it’s about empowering communities and changing lives.”

Looking to the Future

With work set to begin in the coming months, residents and businesses across the Swansea Bay City Region can look forward to a more connected future. As the project progresses, BT and its partners will continue to explore new ways to expand access, boost speeds, and support digital skills development in the area.

The £10 million contract marks a significant step forward for the region’s digital ambitions, laying the foundation for a more prosperous and inclusive economy in the years ahead.