Superfast Broadband has arrived in Mid Wales

Newtown, Llanidloes and Welshpool have started to benefit from faster broadband speeds thanks to Superfast Cymru -  a partnership between BT and the Welsh Government.

BT are rolling out the broadband network as quickly as possible across the county with other parts of Montgomeryshire set to benefit during 2015.

“A balance has had to be stuck between speed of rollout and avoiding causing gridlock due to the road closures and traffic management that is typical of any infrastructure project,” said BT Programme Director Edward Hunt.

“To make this happen with minimal disruption BT are liaising closely with a great team from Powys Highways, Planning and Economic Development.

“Not all premises in an area will receive service at the same time. Each new green roadside cabinet, just about the only visible sign of broadband improvement, is a bespoke project in its own right.

“Each cabinet needs to receive planning permission, connected to power, the fibre optic cable needs to be brought to it, safety checked and then made available to the telecoms industry for customers to order,” he added.

“It’s a process that can, from start to finish, take anywhere between 9 to 18 months depending on complexity.

“In other parts of Wales, environmental aspects such as finding Japanese knotweed has meant service cannot be brought to the public when BT would like. Also, some private landowners  may not agree ‘wayleaves’ to allow BT to work on their land.

“Despite these challenges BT have delivered service early to places such as Builth Wells and Aberystwyth in recent months.

“When fibre broadband has come to your area, you need to upgrade your current connection. The beauty of Superfast Cymru is that you can probably take a fibre broadband service from your  existing internet service provider, whether that is BT, Sky, Talk Talk, Plusnet or any of the other  hundreds of retail providers across the UK.

“For more information, visit www.superfast-cymru.com. There is a ‘Where and When’ map which will help you understand the timetable. You can also register your email address and you’ll be told when you can order service.”

Superfast Cymru is funded by BT, Welsh Government, the European Regional Development Fund and UK Government.