Work has begun to bring faster broadband to some of the most remote places across Powys by 2025.

Following a deal between Powys County Council and BT Group, Openreach will be managing a full-fibre internet build to connect 24 hard to reach sites across Powys with faster broadband, which they say will be completed by March 2025.

Surveying and planning are due to start at most sites, while Openreach claim the work will also benefit at least 78 more areas in the county on route to the more remote locations.

These sites include three in Builth Wells, two in Llandrindod Wells, seven in Erwood and four in Newbridge-on-Wye, as well as one in Guilsfield and one in Llanfyllin.

Ellen Sullivan, Powys County Council’s Head of Digital Services, said: “We know access to fast and reliable broadband is important for our businesses and residents.

OTHER NEWS:

“While the number of sites that will benefit from this project is relatively low, they are all in areas that are never likely to get full-fibre internet without the help of grant funding.

“Having better connectivity can really help level the playing field for some of our most rural communities.”

Powys County Council’s Economic Development and Regeneration Services secured the money to cover the work from the Welsh Government’s Local Broadband Fund.

Susi Marston, BT Group's Head of Local Government and Education in Wales, added: “Access to high speed, reliable broadband is vital in the modern world and underpins so much of our daily lives.

“From helping to improve public services like healthcare, to helping businesses and residents access the latest technology, good connectivity is now so important for all communities. That goes whether you're in a busy city centre, or in a rural location.

“We're pleased to be working with Powys Council to bring fast broadband to some of the most remote parts of the county.”