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Network access provider Openreach (BT) has today revealed that their Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) broadband ISP network has now passed an important milestone by covering 1.25 million premises (81%+) across Wales (up from 1m at the end of 2024), with take-up already said to be “approaching” the impressive 50% mark (across the UK it’s 38.27%).
All of this work supports Openreach’s wider investment of up to £15bn in deploying full fibre technology to cover 25 million UK premises by the end of December 2026 (currently on 23m). After that, there’s a further ambition to reach up to 30 million premises by 2030, but the build plan for the 2027-2030 period and final coverage target has yet to be confirmed.
Take note that the figure of 1.25m (81%+) above only reflects the coverage delivered by Openreach’s FTTP network, while the overall reach of full fibre in Wales is around 86%, which includes work by Virgin Media (inc. nexfibre), Ogi and Netomnia etc.
Openreach’s service, once live, can be ordered via various ISPs, such as BT, Sky Broadband, TalkTalk, Vodafone and many more (Openreach FTTP ISP Choices) – it is not currently an automatic upgrade, although some ISPs are doing free automatic upgrades as older copper-based services and lines a withdrawn.
Martin Williams, Openreach’s Partnership Director for Wales, said:
“This is an important moment for Wales and a clear sign of the progress being made to improve digital connectivity across the country.
Across the UK we’re seeing more people choose Full Fibre as it becomes available, and it’s encouraging to see that momentum reflected in Wales too, with more households starting to experience the everyday benefits – whether that’s working from home, studying, running a business or staying connected.
But these upgrades don’t happen automatically. Many homes and businesses could already benefit from better broadband today, and I’d encourage people to check what’s available where they live and speak to their broadband provider about upgrading.”
Separately to this, the Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) has today celebrated reaching a major digital milestone with 75% of the county now able to access gigabit-capable broadband, which is up from just over 5% coverage in 2019. The announcement notes that 43.7% of gigabit coverage in Pembrokeshire is being delivered by alternative network suppliers, including Ogi, Voneus and local provider Dragon WiFi, albeit with Openreach still playing the biggest role.
Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader of PCC, said:
“Reaching over 75% gigabit capable coverage is a major milestone for Pembrokeshire and demonstrates what can be achieved through partnership working. In 2019, large parts of the county were being overlooked for investment and just 5% could get gigabit speeds. Since 2019, working with partners across the sector, approximately 50,000 homes and business in Pembrokeshire have been connected and while we recognise there’s more to do before we hit 100% the progress so far, particularly given the rural nature of our county, has been incredible.”