Get ‘Super Connected’

Key points of the plan

The money received will be used to upgrade the communications cabinets in the areas to have ‘Fibre to the Cabinet’ (FTTC).

Residents and local organisations can then request Fibre to the Premises on Demand (FTTPOD).

The project will also look at planned new housing developments in Cardiff and ensure that fibre to the premises is installed as any other utility as part of the building process.

Users of the Wi-Fi will be entitled to have half an hour free Wi-Fi usage per day and certain websites such as Cardiff Council, Cardiff tourism sites and others can be accessed free of charge at all times.

In order to provide a wireless network across Cardiff the council will provide a concessionary scheme where providers can install their wireless equipment on Council street furniture (particularly lamp posts) for a nominal rental amount.

A communication strategy for the project is also under way to stimulate demand for the technology. A stakeholders group is being set up which will include members of local businesses, third sector organisations, education sectors etc. A website DigitalCardiff.net is also currently being created for residents and businesses to register their interest in Ultrafast Broadband. A consultation is also to be carried out and results from the Ask Cardiff survey will be used.

In addition to the Urban Broadband Fund Scheme grant funding, further funding is being provided by the Council for the Schools Wi-Fi project (£4m) and private sector investment (£16m).
The funding proposed for the project totals £32 million and comes from the Council (£4 million), the Urban Broadband Fund (£12 million) and private sector investment (£16 million). The Council’s match-funding contribution of £4 million and is already included in the Council’s Capital Programme over a three year period to provide wireless networks in schools.