The community of Crai held a celebratory event, as households there can now receive broadband internet of speeds of 30mbps or more, thanks to a project headed by Dyfed Superfast. Also, on display at the event, was the fantastic new LED lighting, installed with the help of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund, as part of the Crai Hall Energy Efficiency project.
The event included an introduction to the broadband project at Crai Community Hall, then a short visit to the new internet mast at Brychgoed for an official opening, followed by refreshments back at Crai.
Crai was a region within Bannau Brycheiniog National Park that was yet to receive internet and through the hard work of community members and funding through Welsh Government’s Access Broadband Cymru Scheme, Dyfed Superfast have been able to implement this rural broadband project. Utilising technology known as Fixed Wireless Access, it’s the first of its kind in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park and will provide inspiration for other communities facing the same internet connection problems.
The high speed broadband will not only benefit local residents but will also assist tourism businesses within the area.
Gareth Robinson, from Dyfed Superfast said: “High speed broadband is an essential service to help businesses grow in rural areas of the country and vital to drive social inclusion as more government services and educational resources move online. It shouldn’t be reserved for metropolitan cities, which is why we’re accessing funding through the Welsh Assembly Government to create fixed and wireless networks that deliver internet speeds of over 30mbps.”
Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority supported the project through providing SDF funding for lighting improvements and insulation within the Community Hall and also the Planning Department at the Authority worked with all partners to achieve a successful desired outcome.
Charles Weston, a Crai community member said: “This has been a great community led project and I would like to thank all the local people who helped make it possible. I would also like to extend our thanks to Dyfed Superfast, the Welsh Government and Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority. We were not only assisted in the planning process but also the SDF funding that allowed us to improve our facilities here at the Community Hall.”
ENDS