PEMBROKESHIRE currently has the lowest level of full fibre coverage in Wales at just 59 per cent, with neighbouring Ceredigion the second lowest at 67 per cent.

Ceredigion Penfro Senedd Member Paul Davies has met with Openreach Cymru at the Senedd to discuss progress on the rollout of full fibre broadband across west Wales, raising concerns about connectivity in parts of west Wales.

“Fast, reliable broadband is essential for jobs, education and staying connected - and I was pleased to meet Openreach Cymru at the Senedd to discuss full fibre broadband rollout,” said Mr Davies, who has long championed better broadband in the area, leading a debate in the Senedd in 2019 and welcoming Ogi’s connectivity improvements for Pembrokeshire in 2022.

The Welsh Conservative Senedd Member, who went to school in Llandysul and lives in Crymych, stressed that while progress is being made, more needs to be done to close the gap and ensure rural communities are not left behind.

“Expanding full fibre broadband is essential to supporting economic growth, public services and digital inclusion across Wales and we all require access to reliable, high-speed broadband in our lives,” he said.

“Whilst the full fibre network is now available to more than 80% of premises across Wales, the coverage in areas like Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion shows there’s still plenty of work to be done. We need to see a stronger focus on these areas so that residents and businesses can benefit from the same opportunities as those in better-connected parts of Wales.”

Mr Davies added: “I will continue to work with Openreach Cymru to ensure that broadband rollout is delivered as quickly and efficiently as possible. Improving digital infrastructure is vital for economic growth and I want to ensure that communities in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion are not left behind.”