As we reflect on 2024, the Swansea Bay City Deal’s Digital Infrastructure Programme has made remarkable strides, thanks to the unwavering dedication of our team and partners.
It’s been a fantastic year of progress for the Digital Infrastructure Programme, which is in delivery across all three workstreams: Rural, Connected Places and Next Generation Wireless.
This progress wouldn't have been possible without our fantastic team. So, we’d like to say a huge thank you to our Digital Champions – the beating heart of the programme, who have worked tirelessly throughout 2024 with our communities, making sure that they receive the best information and assistance possible to get better broadband.
The telecommunications world can be both complex and challenging, however by sharing our core value of putting the needs of people first with our partners and suppliers, we’ve built working relationships that deliver for the homes and businesses within the Swansea Bay City Region.
We’re proud to be working with BT, Cornerstone, FreshWave, Netomnia, Ogi, Virgin Media O2, Openreach, Vodafone, Voneus, and WeFibre with the support of Welsh Government and UK Government funded schemes and initiatives.Here are some of the many highlights that we’ve earmarked throughout 2024:
- Swansea Council signed the first Open Access Agreement in our region with Freshwave who are deploying small cells in partnership with Virgin Media O2
- Contracted Virgin Media O2 to build a dedicated fibre network to key strategic public sector sites.
- Digital Connectivity Relationship Managers Richard Walters and Laura Jenkins offered their insights at Connected Britain 2024 by representing Swansea Bay City Deal’s Digital Infrastructure Programme on two panels during the event.
- Shortlisted as a finalist for the Barrier Busting Award at Connected Britain 2024
- Collaborated on several Fibre Community Partnership projects within the region
- Held our first event to discuss the benefits of 5G as well as addressing the common concerns surrounding the technology.
Cllr. Rob Stewart, leader of Swansea Council and Chair of the Swansea Bay City Deal Joint Committee said:
"The progress that the Digital Infrastructure Programme has made throughout 2024 has firmly cemented the future vision for the Swansea Bay City Deal. Investing in digital infrastructure now will not only better the quality of life for communities but boost the economic opportunities across the region. We are a region that is confident in welcoming new businesses knowing that we have future-proofed infrastructure in place to cope with the most demanding of circumstances, making us a leading region for many industry sectors. “
Lastly, a thank you to our partners, who’s invaluable support and strategic oversight has meant that the programme continues to align with the evolving needs of the region’s communities, businesses, and their digital transformation – Pembrokeshire County Council, Carmarthenshire County Council, Swansea Council, Neath Port Talbot Council, Hywel Dda University Health Board, Swansa Bay University Health Board, Swansea University, University of Wales Trinity St Davids and Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust.
We appreciate that having better connectivity is the backbone to so many aspects of society. As we look forward to another year, our team is ready to continue the successful collaborations and partnerships that have made the Swansea Bay City Region an innovative place to live, work, and visit.
Our new website is now live, where you’ll be able to keep up to date with our progress and latest news. Please take a moment to visit Digital Infrastructure Programme. We welcome your feedback.