Cardiff Council has chosen Telcom to supply a gigabit internet network to its residents and businesses, following a competitive tender process.
At the moment, the city has a mixture of fibre connectivity and a legacy copper infrastructure, with much slower speeds.
The council has appointed Manchester-based Telcom as it targets full fibre connectivity across the city by 2025.
“This project will deliver high quality fibre broadband to some of the most deprived communities in Cardiff,” explained Cllr Chris Weaver, Cabinet Member for Finance, Modernisation and Performance at Cardiff Council.
“Along with the significant improvements to broadband infrastructure, that wouldn’t have been provided by commercial operators, Telcom is also offering a Social Value Tariff, as well as local employment and training facilities through their Telcom’s Engineering Bootcamp which is due to launched to Cardiff residents this winter.
“The scheme will continue to be rolled out by Telcom until January 2024 through the first phase of the project. The second phase is currently out to tender, with a contract being awarded later this year and will be delivered during 2024/25.”
The upgrade is being paid for following a council submission to the Welsh Government’s Local Broadband Fund.
“We are delighted to have not only been selected by Cardiff Council but entrusted with the great responsibility of helping to close the digital divide across the City, in doing so ensuring digital inclusion,’ said Shaun Gibson Telcom Group Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer [pictured].
“The rollout of the full fibre HyperCity network will remove barriers to growth and innovation and help to act as a catalyst for economic and social development, by connecting residents and businesses for good. Ultimately, ensuring that the premises served have access to hyperfast internet connections will create a better Cardiff, drive growth and future-proof its economy.”
