The first premises in Carmarthenshire served off the Upper Cwmtwrch exchange now have access to fast fibre broadband through the Superfast Cymru programme, it has been announced..

Households and businesses in this area can now access superfast broadband and work will be underway in all telephone exchange areas in the county between now and September 2015.

This is on top of the private sector’s commercial roll-out that has already been deployed in Llanelli

The high-speed technology enables businesses to work faster and more efficiently, benefitting from faster upload and download speeds and reducing the need to travel, helping to create jobs and expand businesses.

At home fibre broadband is not just about a faster internet experience or about doing one thing quicker. It’s about everyone in the house being able to do their own thing online, all at the same time, whether that is streaming films, downloading music, studying or keeping in touch with loved ones.

Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Julie James said: “It’s great news that the Superfast Cymru scheme is now being rolled-out in Carmarthenshire. Residents and businesses served off the Upper Cwmtwrch exchange are the first to benefit through the programme and this is just the beginning. Work will be underway in all telephone exchange areas in the county between now and September 2015.

“Fast fibre broadband has the ability to change the way we live our lives. From accessing entertainment and communicating through social media to how businesses interact with customers and how we use public services.

“The Superfast Cymru programme is the most ambitious in the UK with the aim of reaching 96% of properties in Wales by the end of Spring 2016 delivering fast fibre to more people more quickly than the rest of the UK.

“The Welsh Government is committed to seeing Wales become a truly digital nation and the Superfast Cymru programme is vital in making that vision a reality.”

Information about the roll-out is published on the Superfast Cymru website (www.superfast-cymru.com) including a coverage map which provides details of roll-out plans looking approximately 12 months ahead.