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Swansea, Wales – May 17, 2024 – The Swansea Bay City Deal's Digital Infrastructure Programme, already in full swing, continues to drive forward with its mission to overhaul the region's technological landscape. With over £175 million in investment and a projected £318 million boost to economic growth, the programme stands as a testament to the four county’s commitment to harnessing digital innovation for prosperity.

Building on this momentum, the programme is hosting a virtual landmark event entitled, ‘Digital Innovations and 5G Technology – Shaping our Future’ on 23rd May, to showcase the tangible benefits and opportunities that better connectivity brings to the region and to discuss key topics that impact the sustainability and longevity of projects.

Wales Office Minister Fay Jones said, “Digital connectivity is fundamental to economic growth and so I’m delighted to support this event showcasing some of the incredible work being done in the Swansea Bay region."

“The UK Government is proud of our contribution to the Digital Infrastructure Programme through our investment in the Swansea Bay City Deal. Growing the economy. Creating new jobs and spreading prosperity is at the heart of our Levelling Up mission for Wales.”

Gareth Jones, Chief Digital Officer for Carmarthenshire County Council, who will be leading the day stated, “This event is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the scale of investment that’s being brought to our region to help better connect us. There are numerous social and economic benefits to improved digital infrastructure. This event will help highlight the progress made across our region, and future needs and opportunities."

Agenda Highlights Include:

09:30 - 09:45: Opening Words
Gareth Jones, Chief Digital Officer of Carmarthenshire CC, and Fay Jones MP kick off the event, highlighting the programme's impact on the region's economy and wellbeing. 

09:45 - 10:30: The Journey to 5G and Beyond Panel Discussion Industry experts Nick Wiggin of Freshwave, Pete Hollebon, Andrez Cruz of Virgin Media
O2 and Ali Akhtar from BT discuss the transformative potential of 5G technology, facilitated by the programme's investments.

10:30 - 11:00: Emerging Technology in Social Care
Donna Jones of Neath Port Talbot Council and Carla Dix of Delta Wellbeing share insights into the spectrum of digital innovations supported by the programme and how they are improving social care delivery.

11:20 - 12:00: Digital Policy and What It Means for Our Region
Adam Butcher of the Welsh Government and Jamie Wzietek of DSIT UK (UKG) delve into the implications of digital policy for Swansea Bay's continued growth, enabled by the programme's initiatives.

12:00 - 12:45: 5G Health, Aesthetics & Environmental Considerations
Experts from FarrPoint, DSIT UK (UKG), BT and Vodafone discuss the holistic approach taken by the programme to address health, aesthetics, and environmental considerations in deploying 5G infrastructure.

13:30 - 14:00: Emerging Tech and Community Benefits
Peter Williams of the Welsh Government highlights the programme's focus on leveraging emerging technologies for community empowerment and inclusive growth.

14:00 - 14:45: 5G Innovation Fund - Projects in Our Region Panel Discussion
Richard Lancaster of Campuses Project, representatives from Vodafone, and Alex Williams of Pentre Awel showcase innovative projects linked to the programme's 5G Innovation Fund, driving economic activity and job creation locally.

14:50: Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader and Chairman of the Swansea Bay City Deal’s Joint Committee - The vision for Swansea – A truly digital city

The event concludes with closing remarks, emphasising the programme's ongoing commitment to fostering digital innovation, whilst building on the programme’s main tagline ‘connectivity through collaboration’.

Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader and Chairman of the Swansea Bay City Deal's Joint Committee added, “We are excited to have so many industry experts join this event to collaboratively discuss the benefits of digital connectivity in the Swansea Bay City region."

 
"With business and community life relying on digital options more and more, we must cease as many opportunities as possible, to harness investment inwards to safeguard our digital future. This event is a great example of how we can all play a part in making that happen.”

Date: 23rd May 2024 
Location: Live Stream 
Time: 09:30 - 16:00

If you would like to join the day online and put your questions forward to the speakers, then please register via the live stream link: https://bit.ly/digitalinnovationsevent

For all media inquiries or further information, please contact: 
Amy James – Communications and Business Engagement Officer: amyjames@carmarthenshire.gov.uk

Join us on the 23rd May to celebrate the Swansea Bay City Deal's Digital Infrastructure Programme's success in shaping a digitally empowered future for Swansea Bay.