Fast-expanding broadband company Ogi has revealed the next three areas in South Wales to benefit from its full-fibre broadband, as part of £200m expansion plans.
Monmouth, Dinas Powys, and Milford Haven and Johnston are the new areas announced which will be connected to the Cardiff-based internet service provider’s ultrafast broadband network.
The company has also announced it is investing £5-6m in each of these rural communities which have traditionally struggled with broadband issues.
Work will start on building the broadband infrastructure needed in these areas with Ogi hoping to offer its services to customers from April.
Backed by European infrastructure funders Infracapital, the company has an ambitious £200m phase one business plan for the roll out of its ultrafast broadband across Wales over the next two to three years.
The company said it will be passing around 18,000 homes and businesses in this next phase, as part of its initial build programme which aims to deliver real full-fibre broadband to 150,000 homes and businesses across South Wales.
Ben Allwright, Ogi’s CEO said: “We’re delighted to be kicking off the new year by announcing the next communities to benefit from Ogi’s home-grown broadband. We’re building an all-new infrastructure from scratch, adding to the thousands of homes that already have access to our services, and are on track to bring our ultrafast connection to many more across Wales this year.”
He added: “Broadband speeds in Wales have been too slow for people and businesses for too long, so this is where the transformation begins. With the increased need for fast and reliable broadband, the digital divide in Wales has continued to grow. Ogi is changing that, and helping to transform the digital landscape for generations to come.”
The need for ultrafast broadband in rural areas in Wales has been exacerbated during the pandemic where lockdowns have forced the majority to work from home.
Deputy Minister for Climate Change, Lee Waters MS said: “The impact of fast, affordable broadband for homes and businesses across Wales cannot be underestimated, supporting a thriving and sustainable vision for our future.”
He added: “Ogi is helping to realise faster speeds, greater access and better support for places that have previously found it harder to connect. This news is especially important at the moment with so many people working from home where a reliable broadband connection is vital.”
Ogi, the trading name of Spectrum Fibre Limited and Ogi Networks Ltd, has grown quickly since it launched its new brand in June 2021.
Named one of the 22 firms to watch in 2022 by BusinessLive Wales, Ogi has grown from a team of 20 to over 100 staff members and started to connect new customers in Pembrokeshire, Monmouthshire and the Vale of Glamorgan.
