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Neath Port Talbot, 7th May 2024 — The Swansea Bay City Deal's Digital Infrastructure Programme is set to transform connectivity in Neath Port Talbot with a significant investment of approximately £505,000, part of the broader £1.7 million initiative spanning the region. 

The Full Fibre Infrastructure Build, is being delivered using the Welsh Public Sector Broadband Aggregation (PSBA), the secure Welsh Government network for public sector organisations.  The proposed plans are set to bring futureproofing connectivity to 68 public sector assets across the Swansea Bay City Deal region and 401 additional premises, driving economic growth and digital transformation.

Scheduled for completion in September 2025, the project currently in the surveying stage, forms a crucial part of the Digital Infrastructure Programme's Connected Places workstream. Designed to ensure that economic growth zones in the region are equipped with cutting-edge connectivity, it marks a significant milestone in the journey toward a digitally transformed and connected Neath Port Talbot.  

The investment will transform the target public sector sites by providing gigabit-capable connectivity to key assets such as libraries, leisure centres, country parks, and council buildings. This initiative will empower these institutions to drive forward their digital agendas, positioning Neath Port Talbot at the forefront of digital connectivity to support economic growth.

Margam Park is ear-marked as one of the key locations in the local authority to receive this investment.  Renowned as an outstanding area of natural beauty, a tourism hotspot and well-used events location, the park has struggled with connectivity issues, due to its rurality and lack of fibre infrastructure in the area.  Now, with a full fibre build planned, there will be the opportunity to capitalise on innovative new digital offers, undoubtedly increasing it’s attraction to visitors. 

Neath Port Talbot Councillor and Cabinet member for Nature, Tourism and Leisure Cen Phillips stated, “Margam Park is a significant attraction and key location in Wales, that has been held back by poor connectivity over the years.  Getting full fibre will mean improving the visitor experience and furthering what the Park can offer the thousands who visit each year.  These proposed plans are a welcomed step forward in bridging the digital divide in our region.”

In addition to public sector sites, local residents surrounding these locations will be able to avail of better connectivity options as a result of the full fibre investment, which is a substantial step towards bridging the digital divide and bringing advanced connectivity to areas that might otherwise be left underserved.

The implementation of full fibre connectivity (FTTP) is set to deliver substantial cost savings for local authorities, as it is a more reliable and cheaper, long-term solution than some of the existing connectivity options that some sites are currently having to use.  In addition to this, FTTP is a scalable technology, which means that these sites will be futureproofed for increased usage.  

Chris Owen, Chief Digital Officer for Neath Port Talbot commented, “Neath Port Talbot is well on the path to becoming a smart region, ready and able to innovate and adopt emerging technologies.  These plans are a welcomed investment to the area and will undoubtedly contribute to economic growth, improved public services, and a more connected and inclusive community.”

This investment ensures the region's future readiness by establishing a foundation with scalable connectivity to meet increasing demand. Aligning with the Digital Infrastructure Programme's overarching goal of creating an inclusive digital landscape that caters to everyone's needs, demonstrating that Swansea Bay City Deal's Digital Infrastructure Programme is not just an investment in technology; it's an investment in the future prosperity of Neath Port Talbot.

For any enquiries, please contact: broadband@npt.gov.uk