GIGABIT Capable broadband is now in place for more than half of the county with aspirations from Swansea Bay City Deal’s Digital Infrastructure Programme for the county to be fully connected to better broadband.

Pembrokeshire County Council said it is proud to announce a significant milestone in its journey to better broadband. 60% of homes and businesses in the county can now access full fibre broadband compared to 5% in 2019.

This achievement is the culmination of a concerted effort by various stakeholders, including Alternative Network providers (AltNets) Ogi, Voneus, Dragon Wifi as well as Openreach and dedicated local authority’s Digital Champions, who have continuously engaged with communities to ensure they are aware of the benefits of being better connected and the ways in which they can make that happen. 

Funded by Swansea Bay City Deal’s Digital Infrastructure Programme, the Digital Champions in place at Pembrokeshire County Council are continuing to assess the needs of people locally and advise on the options available to them to help improve their broadband. This paired with the strong relationships being built with infrastructure supplier and mobile network operators, means that Pembrokeshire is well placed to see further increases to this milestone in the very near future.

Cllr Paul Miller: Deputy Leader, Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change, said: “Thanks to the hard work of all the stakeholders and this local authority’s Digital Champions, we’re thrilled to see Pembrokeshire reach 60 per cent broadband coverage.

“This is a testament to their dedication to bridging the digital divide and ensuring all our residents have access to the critical tools they need to succeed in today’s economy. Pembrokeshire County Council is committed to supporting this type of innovative programmes, and I look forward to seeing Pembrokeshire reach even greater levels of connectivity.”

Looking at the broader picture, Pembrokeshire’s digital team have been working closely with the UK Government’s Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT) and the Welsh Government on funding streams, helping facilitate a high level of support for digital infrastructure projects, whilst empowering communities to actively advocate for improved connectivity in their areas. 

Much of the behind the scenes work within Pembrokeshire County Council has also been an integral part of reaching this milestone, with close working relationships with supportive community and county councillors, planning, infrastructure, highways departments within Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority all contributing to the successful delivery of projects.

Pembrokeshire’s rural communities and towns, including the county town of Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke, Pembroke Dock, and Fishguard, have benefited immensely from these efforts, with the county’s journey towards digital inclusion being far from over. But reaching the 60% gigabit capable milestone marks a significant step forward in realising the vision of a connected and prosperous future for the region.

SHOPPERS and visitors in Cardigan were taken by surprise recently when Keir Starmer—or someone who bore a striking resemblance to him—made an appearance at a climate action stall. The stall, set up in the town centre, invited people to write to their Members of the Senedd urging them to support an international Fossil Fuel Treaty.

‘Keir’ led the way, being the first to post his letter in a special postbox on the stall, which was part of a Global Day of Action for climate justice.

Slow progress at COP29

Organiser Philippa Gibson, a retired Welsh teacher, explained the urgency behind the event. She said:

“The COP29 meeting in Azerbaijan this week is moving at a snail’s pace. Oil lobbyists and petro-states like Azerbaijan have overwhelming influence, blocking serious action on reducing fossil fuel dependency. But ordinary people across the world are saying enough is enough—it’s time for a fossil-free future.

“The climate crisis is already affecting Welsh communities. Rising sea levels are eroding our coastlines, while extreme weather endangers lives, homes, and food security. The economic shockwaves are being felt everywhere.”

Wales urged to lead the way

Physics teacher David Grace, another volunteer at the stall, highlighted the global stakes:

“These threats are even more severe for Pacific Island states, some of the most climate-vulnerable nations in the world. They are leading the Fossil Fuel Treaty campaign because their survival depends on it. Wales has a duty to stand with them and support their demands for a rapid global transition away from fossil fuels.”

The organisers noted that Wales has an opportunity to lead on climate action by endorsing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. Thirteen nations, the World Health Organisation, the European Parliament, and thousands of organisations worldwide have already joined the growing movement.

‘Strong support’ in Cardigan

The stall drew significant local support, with many residents signing a petition and posting letters or postcards to their Members of the Senedd. The postbox quickly filled up as people expressed their backing for the Treaty.

A campaigner from Parents for Future, who was helping at the stall, stressed the importance of action:

“By endorsing this treaty, the Welsh government would align with existing policies and commitments. As part of a global effort, Wales could set an example, showing that early action is key to preventing climate disaster. This is vital for the sake of all children, both here in Wales and in more vulnerable countries.”

The event highlighted a growing desire among communities to push for urgent climate action. As part of the day’s activities, ‘Keir’ left a memorable mark—not just as a leader, but as a symbol of the change people want to see.

(Keir’s mask was created by artist Bim Mason.)

This Black Friday, Ogi – Wales’s biggest alternative telecoms company – is giving back to its customers with up to £400 available in rewards for new introductions.

Existing customers can earn £40 for each introduction – unlocking up to 10 rewards a year every time a new sign up is successful.

New customers can also enjoy great savings this “Black Fibre Friday”, with Ogi doubling the speed of its £15 a month entry-level package (now 400Mbps). Plus, if they sign up through an introduction, they’ll receive a £40 referral voucher too. The “Black Fibre Friday” event package also includes two Amazon eero routers at no extra cost.

Offering standard installation slots right up until Christmas, all new customers could get full fibre speeds in time for the festive film, tv and gaming binge.

With nearly half of UK adults shopping during Black Friday, retailers are expecting around £3.8 billion* in sales as consumers hunt for the best deals amid continuing pressure on household budgets.

Announcing the time-limited “Black Fibre Friday” deal, Chief Revenue Officer, Sally-Anne Skinner, said: “Traditionally, Black Friday tends to reward new customers, but this year we’re excited to give back in a way that benefits existing customers too. With our new ‘introduce a friend’ programme, current customers can earn up to £400 by recommending Ogi to friends and family – a great way to share the love and get rewarded. For new customers, we’re offering unbeatable value too, doubling the speed of our entry-level £15 per month plan, plus two smart Amazon eero routers included.

“At Ogi, we’re all about making life easier and more affordable, and this offer is a great way to get fast, reliable broadband just in time for the festive season. It’s a win-win: customers get the best broadband deals and extra rewards for sharing with others, and all from a Wales-based service provider.”

With Ogi’s latest “Black Fibre Friday” event, customers can refer up to 10 friends a year, and earn £40 for every successful new installation – with the potential to earn up to £400 in vouchers.

The deal runs for 15 days from Monday 18 November, until Monday 2 December (Cyber Monday), before prices return to Ogi’s standard £15, £20 and £30 a month for new customers signing up for 12 months. The introduce a friend programme will continue after the end of the Black Friday period, subject to terms and conditions.