Broadband ISP Virgin Media O2 Business (VMO2) last week won the contract to deploy a new Dark Fibre network as part of the Swansea Bay City Region project (Digital Infrastructure Programme). The new network should deliver significantly improved data capacity and speed to 36 public sector sites throughout Swansea and Neath Port Talbot.
Just to recap. The UK and Welsh Governments gave their approval for a £55m digital infrastructure investment under the £1.3bn Swansea Bay City Region project back in 2021 (here), which aimed to expand full fibre broadband and 5G mobile connectivity to benefit residents and businesses across Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea.
The new network, which forms part of that agreement and aims to become fully available by December 2025, is initially only focused upon catering for public sector sites (e.g. council offices, NHS, doctors, schools etc.). But we’ve seen before how similar anchor tenancy models can also result in such networks being opened up for use by commercial network expansions too, although this would require additional private investment.
Carl Mustad, Assistant Director at Swansea Bay University Health Board, said:
“This is an integral step forward for the health boards, local authorities and universities in this area and will help us collaborate and expand our future research and development relationships.”
Modern networks are essential to provide the backbone for cutting edge telemedicine services, artificial intelligence and improved data management which in turn supports improvements in diagnostics, and patient experience.”
Catherine Amran, Customer Director at VMO2 Business, said:
“We’re looking forward to working with Swansea Bay City Deal to help connect the Swansea and Neath Port Talbot regions. Virgin Media O2 Business have the largest available dark fibre coverage in the UK. With dark fibre right across our national footprint without any regional restrictions, this new network will provide the region with a range of benefits like increased capacity and speed. Collaborations like this are important for public services, enabling growth and ensuring organisations have access to reliable connectivity.”
This new connectivity infrastructure will initially work to “future proof” the digital capabilities of the Welsh Ambulance Service University Trust, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Hywel Dda Health Board, Swansea University, the University of Wales, Trinity St David, and the three local authorities – Neath Port Talbot, Swansea and Carmarthenshire.