Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has welcomed today’s announcement that 18,436 homes and businesses in his constituency are set to benefit from faster and more reliable broadband thanks to Openreach’s latest nationwide project.

The UK’s digital network business, has outlined plans to build ultrafast, ultra-reliable Full Fibre broadband to at least three million more homes and businesses - including around 415,000 across Wales - in some of the UK's hardest to serve communities. 

A total of 140 exchanges across the country are being upgraded, with homes and businesses in places such as Abergele, Rhos On Sea, Old Colwyn and Ruthin, set to benefit from what will be a massive nationwide, five-year feat of civil engineering.

Welcoming the announcement, Darren said:

“This is fantastic news for residents and businesses in my constituency who are currently struggling due to poor and unreliable internet speeds.

“The last 14 months, with more people than ever working from home, has demonstrated more than ever the essential need for steadfast, superfast, broadband.

“In this day and age, everyone should have access to a decent broadband connection, and I therefore look forward to the completion of this mammoth upgrade which will benefit so many people and businesses in Conwy and Denbighshire.”  

Secretary of State for Wales, Simon Hart, added: “First class digital infrastructure is critical to achieving social and economic prosperity for our communities and it is vital that all areas of Wales have the connectivity they need to flourish.

“The UK Government is committed to boosting access to broadband for people and businesses across Wales and projects like the one being carried out by Openreach are a huge step forward in achieving that goal.”