A £18.8m project aimed at driving the adoption of advanced wireless technology across North Wales has been given the go-ahead.
Statutory body Ambition North Wales, which covers the six local authorities in the region, has approved the full business case for the project, which will be funded from its £240m Growth Deal backed by the Ƶ and Welsh governments.
It will provide a capital grant scheme supporting investment in advanced wireless technologies across both private and public sectors over the next four years, aligned with the Ƶ wireless infrastructure strategy. These include 5G mobile private networks, 4G/5G distributed antenna systems (DAS), wi-fi 6/7 networks and industry 4.0 applications.
Over the four year period, the project is forecast to support up to 200 businesses and public sector users across North Wales to adopt advanced wireless technologies. The project aims to support the creating of between 315-380 new jobs and generate between £130m to £158m in additional gross value added (GVA) for the region by 2036. The scheme also aims to leverage investment of between £37m-£46m.
The initiative forms a key part of Ambition North Wales’ broader digital connectivity programme, which focuses on delivering affordable digital access across the region. It complements other major projects, such as 4G plus, which address mobile coverage and low power wide area networks.
Nia Jeffreys, lead member for Ambition North Wales’s digital connectivity programme and leader of Gwynedd Council, said: “Advanced wireless technologies are essential for boosting productivity, innovation, and competitiveness across North Wales. The approval of this full business case means we can now support organisations across the region to invest in digital infrastructure suitable for the future. This will benefit businesses and public services throughout North Wales and create new jobs for the region which is something to be welcomed.”
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: “The approval of this investment marks a key moment for North Wales’ digital future. Advanced wireless technologies will not only strengthen connectivity across our towns and rural communities, but unlock new opportunities for innovation and economic growth.
“The Welsh Government is proud to support a programme that positions North Wales at the forefront of the Ƶ’s digital infrastructure strategy.”
Wales Office Minister Dame Nia Griffth said: “To boost productivity, it is vital that businesses and communities have the right digital infrastructure.
“This investment from the Ƶ and Welsh Governments via the North Wales Growth deal is another step forward in our central mission to kickstart economic growth, create good jobs and unlock opportunities for people across Wales.”
