£1 Billion Broadband Boost for Wales as Full Fibre Reaches 1 Million Properties

Full Fibre economic impact Wales backed by new research

A new Cebr and Stantec report shows that Openreach’s Full Fibre rollout could deliver a £1 billion broadband boost to Wales by 2029.

The announcement coincides with Openreach passing the 1 million milestone for homes and businesses able to connect across Wales.

Lion Hotel named one millionth Full Fibre property

Treorchy’s Lion Hotel, an award-winning pub and community hub, is the one millionth property connected. With 127,000 TikTok followers and growing demand for live streaming, the venue’s digital capabilities are now transformed.

Owner Adrian Emmett said:

“Having ultrafast broadband is a game changer – not just for our business, but for our community.”

From interactive dartboards to co-working and study groups, the Lion Hotel reflects how ultrafast broadband unlocks business potential.

Broadband boost Wales set to transform services

The Cebr report outlines how Full Fibre helps deliver:

• Economic impact: Contributing to a wider £66bn uplift across the UK
• Healthcare transformation: Powering digital tools like eConsult for 50m+ patients
• Educational outcomes: Better results for 21,700 pupils by 2029
• Environmental impact: 1.4 million more remote workers reducing emissions
• Property value uplift: Homes with Full Fibre see an average £1,900 increase

Openreach aims to extend its UK Full Fibre network to 25 million by 2026, and up to 30 million by 2030.

Voices of support from Welsh and UK Governments

Jo Stevens, Welsh Secretary, said:

“Reaching one million properties with ultrafast broadband is a significant milestone and vital to driving growth across Wales.”

Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, added:

“Our Digital Strategy is committed to supporting the rollout of gigabit-capable infrastructure across Wales.”

The rollout is already transforming connectivity across every corner of the country, including rural and remote communities.

Check your full fibre availability

Residents and businesses can use the Openreach postcode checker to see if they can upgrade, and contact their broadband provider to switch.

The full report is available on the Openreach Policy Hub.

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