A REPORT from the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) and Stantec reveals that Openreach’s ongoing rollout of Ultrafast Full Fibre broadband could inject £1 billion into the Welsh economy by 2029.

This prediction coincides with a major milestone: over one million homes and businesses in Wales now have access to ultrafast Full Fibre broadband via Openreach’s network.

The research, commissioned by Openreach, highlights the transformative potential of Full Fibre broadband, including economic growth, job creation, and enhanced social connectivity.

Lion Hotel: A digital transformation success story

Treorchy’s award-winning Lion Hotel is among the properties celebrating the broadband milestone. Known as a community hub and a venue for study groups, meetings, and co-working, the Lion Hotel has embraced digital transformation with the installation of ultrafast broadband.

Adrian Emmett, the hotel’s owner, explained: “Since coming out of lockdown, we’ve digitised our business systems, including music, tills, CCTV, and bookings. But our Wi-Fi often struggled, letting down customers who use the Lion Hotel as a shared working space. With ultrafast broadband, we can now provide a seamless experience. It’s a game changer for our business and the community.”

The Lion Hotel has also installed interactive dart systems and plans to expand its TikTok presence, which already boasts 127,000 followers and 260 million views. Emmett added:
“With ultrafast broadband, the sky’s the limit. We can now explore live streaming and other opportunities that weren’t possible before.”

Economic and social benefits

The Cebr report outlines the extensive benefits of Full Fibre broadband:

• Economic Growth: Contributing £66 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK economy by 2029.
• Job Creation: Enabling 620,000 people, including parents and older workers, to re-enter the workforce through flexible opportunities.
• Healthcare Advancements: Supporting five million online appointments annually by 2029—double the current figure.
• Educational Gains: Improving pass rates for 21,700 students in key subjects.
• Property Value Increases: Boosting the average home value by £1,900.
• Environmental Impact: Reducing car journeys and carbon emissions by allowing 1.4 million more people to work from home.

Government support and future plans

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens praised the milestone, stating:
“Reaching one million properties in Wales with ultrafast broadband is a significant achievement. Full Fibre broadband is essential for boosting growth and productivity in communities across Wales.”

Rebecca Evans, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, added: “The Welsh Government is committed to delivering the connectivity services that businesses, the public sector, and homes in Wales need to thrive. This milestone is a testament to that commitment.”

Openreach aims to expand its Fibre network to 25 million UK premises by 2026, with plans to reach 30 million by the decade’s end. Suzanne Rutherford, from Openreach’s Complex Engineering Wales, said:
“With Full Fibre now available to one million Welsh homes and businesses, we’re laying the groundwork for economic growth, job creation, and increased opportunities for remote work and digital innovation.”

To check Full Fibre availability, residents can use the Openreach postcode checker and contact their broadband provider to upgrade. More details can be found in the Cebr report at openreach.com/about/policy-hub.

A SPECIAL event highlighting the voices of young people across Pembrokeshire was held at County Hall on Tuesday (Dec 5). The event featured the Children’s Commissioner for Wales, Rocio Cifuentes, alongside key figures in education and youth advocacy.

The Voice of Learners event, organised by Councillor Pat Davies and the Children and Young People’s Rights Office, brought together representatives from secondary schools and Pembrokeshire College.

Joining the panel were Director of Education Steven Richards-Downes and Principal Educational Psychologist Lorraine Silver. Pembrokeshire County Council Chairman, Councillor Steve Alderman, chaired the session, during which attendees posed a series of challenging and thought-provoking questions to the panel.

The event was driven by the findings of an extensive survey conducted with Pembrokeshire’s young people. Mental and emotional health emerged as a top concern, alongside issues such as access to sports, diagnosis and support for additional needs, exam stress, healthy eating, and the influence of technology on daily life.

Cllr Pat Davies said: “I started this focus on young people and democracy during my time as Council Chairman, and it has not only been popular but incredibly informative for both our school-goers and us as councillors.
“We are determined to engage with young people and ensure their concerns and views are heard. Events like this, as well as a previous session with the Electoral Commission, provide us with valuable opportunities to connect.

“Continuing this important work with the Children and Young People’s Rights Office is a real positive, and we look forward to welcoming more young people to County Hall for future events.”

The Voice of Learners event underscores Pembrokeshire County Council’s commitment to empowering young people and addressing the issues that matter most to them.

THE FESTIVE season brings joy for many but poses challenges for guide dog owners, who often face stress and exclusion due to illegal access refusals. Despite laws protecting their rights, an alarming 90% of guide dog owners report being denied access to businesses and services, including taxis, shops, and hospitality venues.

Sue Canham, a guide dog owner from Tenby, has experienced such discrimination firsthand. Recently, six taxis at Cardiff train station refused to transport her and her guide dog. Sue has also faced refusals at restaurants and pubs, raising serious concerns about the treatment of visually impaired individuals.

Widespread discrimination

Research from Guide Dogs, a leading charity for individuals with sight loss, highlights a significant lack of awareness. Only 42% of the public are aware that guide dogs are legally allowed in most businesses. In the past year alone, 72% of guide dog owners reported access refusals, with 41% of these incidents occurring in food and drink establishments.

Such refusals not only violate the law but also take a toll on the mental and social well-being of those affected. Nearly 80% of guide dog owners admitted altering their plans or avoiding certain venues due to fear of refusal.

Ruby Jay, a guide dog owner from Colchester, shared her experiences: “I’ve been illegally refused service about 25 times this year. It’s humiliating and stressful. I’m even skipping my Christmas party to avoid facing another rejection.”

A call for inclusion

Guide Dogs is urging businesses to prioritize education and staff training, especially during the festive season, to foster a more inclusive environment for guide dog owners.

Eleanor Briggs, Head of Policy at Guide Dogs, said “Access refusals are almost always illegal and deeply isolating, particularly during a time meant for celebration. We’re calling on businesses to ensure their staff are aware of the law and to make inclusion a priority this Christmas.”

Key statistics

• Discrimination remains prevalent: 90% of guide dog owners have faced access refusals.
• Awareness is low: More than 70% of customer-facing staff report receiving no training on the rights of assistance dog users.
• Well-being impact: Half of those refused access report being treated disrespectfully, and some have encountered aggression.
• Public support for inclusivity: 64% of people would avoid businesses that discriminate against guide dog owners.

Steps toward change

The “Open Doors” campaign by Guide Dogs aims to bridge the awareness gap by encouraging businesses to educate their staff about the legal rights of guide dog owners. By taking these steps, businesses can ensure a more inclusive and welcoming festive season for everyone.

For more information, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/opendoors.

Caption: Tenby resident Sue Canham is among many guide dog owners advocating for equal access this Christmas season (Pic: Herald).