Full-fibre rollout to boost connectivity, growth and investment across Ceredigion and Powys
BT HAS been appointed to deliver a major full-fibre broadband project aimed at transforming digital connectivity across business parks in Ceredigion and Powys.
The Business Park Full Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) Project, announced by Growing Mid Wales, will bring gigabit-capable broadband to employment sites that currently lack access to high-speed digital infrastructure.
The scheme forms part of the Growing Mid Wales Digital Programme and the wider Mid Wales Growth Deal, a £110 million investment backed by the UK and Welsh Governments to stimulate economic growth across the region.
The project will focus on business parks that are not included in existing commercial broadband rollouts or other publicly funded schemes, ensuring investment reaches locations that would otherwise be left behind.
Faster broadband for businesses
Under the contract, BT will design and build an open-access full-fibre network capable of delivering download speeds of up to 1Gbps.
The infrastructure will allow businesses to choose services from a range of internet providers rather than being tied to a single supplier, encouraging competition and providing greater choice.
In addition to improving connectivity at key employment sites, the network expansion is expected to benefit nearby homes and businesses as fibre infrastructure is extended through surrounding communities.
Growing Mid Wales said the investment would help businesses improve productivity, adopt modern digital technologies and remain competitive in an increasingly digital economy.
‘A major step forward for Mid Wales’
Councillor Bryan Davies, Leader of Ceredigion County Council, and Councillor Jake Berriman, Leader of Powys County Council, co-chairs of the Growing Mid Wales Board, welcomed the announcement.
“This project demonstrates the momentum already building across the Mid Wales Growth Deal, with investment translating into delivery on the ground,” they said.
“It is a major step forward for Mid Wales.
“Ensuring our business parks have access to gigabit-capable full fibre will strengthen the foundations for regional growth, improve competitiveness and support businesses to adopt modern digital tools and services.
“Importantly, this project targets premises that were not in the scope of existing commercial or publicly funded programmes, ensuring the benefits of full fibre reach more of our communities and employment sites.”
Skills support for local firms
Alongside the infrastructure rollout, BT will deliver a digital skills programme for small and medium-sized enterprises across Mid Wales.
The initiative will include virtual workshops, expert-led training sessions and tailored guidance designed to help businesses improve productivity and build digital capability.
Susi Marston, Head of Public Sector Wales at BT, said reliable broadband was essential for modern businesses.
“Reliable, high-quality broadband makes a real difference to how people run their businesses every day, giving them the connectivity they need to innovate and grow,” she said.
“This programme means more people and places can benefit from fast, dependable digital access, helping them thrive in an increasingly digital future.”
Government backing for investment
Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price, welcomed the rollout, describing gigabit-capable broadband as vital to the future success of businesses across the region.
“We welcome the rollout of full-fibre broadband to business parks across Mid Wales,” he said.
“Gigabit-capable connectivity will help local firms grow, innovate and compete on a level playing field.”
Wales Office Minister Anna McMorrin added that the Mid Wales Growth Deal was already delivering tangible benefits.
“The UK Government’s investment in the Mid Wales Growth Deal is bringing about real change for businesses and people across the region,” she said.
“The rollout of superfast broadband will enable businesses in Ceredigion and Powys to work more efficiently and reach more customers, while also boosting connectivity for local people.”
Network rollout has now commenced, with businesses encouraged to register for updates through the Growing Mid Wales newsletter as work progresses.
The latest announcement builds on BT’s significant presence in Wales, where the company employs more than 4,500 people and contributes an estimated £680 million annually to the Welsh economy.
