North Wales to benefit from major digital investment
The programme will promote the adoption of 5G mobile private networks, Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS), Wi-Fi 6/7 networks, and Industry 4.0 solutions, all in line with the UK Wireless Infrastructure Strategy.
Cllr Nia Jeffreys, lead member for Ambition North Wales's Digital Connectivity Programme and leader of Cyngor Gwynedd, 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."
The scheme is projected to generate significant economic benefits, with targets of creating between 315 and 380 new jobs and contributing an additional £130 million to £158 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) by 2036.
It is also expected to attract between £37 million and £46 million in total investment.
The initiative forms part of Ambition North Wales' wider Digital Connectivity Programme, which focuses on delivering high-quality, affordable digital access across the region.
It complements other projects such as 4G+ and low-power wide area networks that address mobile coverage challenges.
Rebecca Evans, cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning, said: "The approval of this £18.8 million 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 UK's digital infrastructure strategy."
Over the next four years, the scheme will support up to 200 businesses and public sector organisations to adopt advanced wireless technologies, helping to build a more competitive and resilient digital economy.
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 UK 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."
The project also supports UK Government targets for gigabit-capable broadband and high-bandwidth mobile coverage along major transport routes, including the A55, A483, and A5.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Thousands are switching to this unlimited-everything wireless plan that includes a FREE 5G device and locks in your rate for half a decade
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more Choosing a wireless plan can be confusing. It's not always as easy as taking a quick glance and selecting the lowest price. There are all kinds of complexities to consider, and it can make the wireless experience unnecessarily challenging. Metro by T-Mobile just dropped some affordable options, and the timing couldn't be better for people who are tired of mysterious price hikes or who are simply ready to ditch their current provider for better service (who doesn't want that?). Metro by T-Mobile Metro by T-Mobile has revolutionized wireless with two game-changing plans that lock in your rate for five full years. Their $40 Unlimited Plan includes everything you need plus a free 5G phone, while the $25 BYOD Plan lets you keep your current device for just twenty-five dollars monthly. Both plans run on the T-Mobile network, include all taxes and fees, and require no activation charges, credit checks, or even ID to sign up. From $25/mo. Shop Metro by T-Mobile has two offerings, and both center your needs with special attention paid to eliminating unwelcome surprise fees, locking in rates, and delivering top-tier performance. Their flagship option delivers unlimited everything, including talk, text, and speedy connectivity for a flat rate that stays locked in for a full five years — for $40. Period. There are no gradual increases or promotional rates that expire after a few months. Basically, there is no fine print. This approach also includes a complimentary 5G device right out of the gate, eliminating that upfront investment that only adds to the financial burden of switching carriers. It's truly $40, period, without the hidden costs or surprising additions that might catch you off guard. You don't even need to worry about activation fees, and no one needs to see your ID either. It's really as easy as snagging a sweet deal for five years with a free 5G phone thrown in. Prefer to keep your existing phone? Metro by T-Mobile has an option for you too in its $25 BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) plan. It's just $25 monthly and includes the same five-year rate protection. Even the setup process is streamlined so you can avoid the usual hassles, like visiting the store or filling out paperwork. Everything is handled entirely online to save you time. T-Mobile's network infrastructure is impressive, ranking high for its national coverage and reliability. This is the same technology that powers premium services — minus the premium price tag to match. Sheer transparency is the reason this deal is such a standout. Without the typical surcharges and requirements to muddy the signup process, you can jump straight into a straightforward wireless service that is just right for your needs. It's truly a what-you-see-is-what-you-get deal. The monthly rate that you see is exactly what you pay, with taxes and fees built into the price. There are no contracts or credit checks, either. The entire process is built around establishing a quick connection. Both options also include valuable extras, like spam call protection and exclusive weekly perks on T-Mobile Tuesdays. If you're ready to switch to a plan that leaves your current carrier in the dust, it's time to check out Metro by T-Mobile. With two convenient choices, there's one that's just perfect for your needs. *Terms apply. Speeds may slow after 35GB. 5-year price guarantee applies to monthly plan price for talk, text and data on eligible plans. $40 plan plus sales tax. $25 plan requires AutoPay, first month $30. See for details.
Wales Online
a day ago
- Wales Online
Holiday home crackdown having 'impact on purchasing behaviour' in Welsh hotspots
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A holiday home crackdown in Wales is having an "impact on purchasing behaviour" say tax chiefs. The growth in second homes and holiday lets in some rural and coastal communities triggered a backlash over fears about the impact on local people. There were parts of Gwynedd where half of all homes were holiday properties with warnings about the negative consequences this was having on the Welsh language and culture. It has seen an effort to mitigate that trend in a bid to free up more homes for local people - although critics say the focus should be on building more properties. Measures include significant council tax premiums on second homes as well as stricter criteria for a property to be classed as a holiday let, which are exempt from council tax. Cyngor Gwynedd has also introduced a new Article 4 rule that requires planning permission for a residential property to change its use. Other areas are looking to follow their lead. While the measures have been welcomed by many, the tourism industry has warned of the impact on their sector and the Tories have said the focus should be on building new houses. Recent data in the Land Transaction Tax statistics - the Welsh version of stamp duty - is indicating that the measures are reducing the number of sales to second home and holiday let buyers Those properties sold to buy to let landlords, or as second homes, holiday homes or holiday lets, face a higher rate transaction cost. It is these higher rate sales that are falling as a proportion of total sales. Compared with the previous year (the year ending June 2024), the local authorities with the largest percentage changes were: Isle of Anglesey (decrease of 8 percentage points to 25%) Gwynedd (decrease of 6 percentage points to 26% ) Conwy (decrease of 3 percentage points to 21%) The corresponding changes with the previous year for the three National Parks were: Pembrokeshire Coast: 50% to 38%, a decrease of 12 percentage points Eryri: 36% to 29%, a decrease of 7 percentage points Bannau Brycheiniog: 19% to 21%, an increase of 1 percentage point Talking about the longer term trend, the latest Welsh Revenue Authority report said: "In the past few years, there have generally been falls in these percentages in northern and western areas of Wales. "The percentages for Gwynedd were fairly stable from 2018-19 to 2021-22 (around 37% to 39%). There was a marked fall the next year followed by a period of stability, before another notable decrease to 26% in the year ending June 2025. "The percentages for Anglesey declined from 36% in 2019-20 to 29% in 2022-23. While there was a notable increase to 34% in the year to June 2024, there followed a larger fall to 25% in the year to June 2025." Adam Al-Nuaimi, Head of Data Analysis in the WRA, said: "Comparing the year to June with the previous year, many areas of Wales saw decreases in their percentage of residential transactions which were higher rates, in particular the Isle of Anglesey and Gwynedd. "We're pleased to publish our second annual article about intent behind higher rates transactions and report on trends for the first time. The article tells us that many of the trends in higher rates transactions were due to changes in purchases of second homes, holiday homes or holiday lets. These trends are consistent with policies around second homes in Wales having some impact on purchasing behaviour. "Nationally in April to June, quarterly residential revenues were higher than the same time last year, but not as high as three years earlier. There are several reasons for the latest rise. There were increases in residential transactions and average property values over that time, and tax rates for higher rates transactions increased from December 2024."
North Wales Live
2 days ago
- North Wales Live
Holiday home crackdown having 'impact on purchasing behaviour' in Welsh hotspots
A holiday home crackdown in Wales is having an "impact on purchasing behaviour" say tax chiefs. The growth in second homes and holiday lets in some rural and coastal communities triggered a backlash over fears about the impact on local people. There were parts of Gwynedd where half of all homes were holiday properties with warnings about the negative consequences this was having on the Welsh language and culture. It has seen an effort to mitigate that trend in a bid to free up more homes for local people - although critics say the focus should be on building more properties. Measures include significant council tax premiums on second homes as well as stricter criteria for a property to be classed as a holiday let, which are exempt from council tax. Cyngor Gwynedd has also introduced a new Article 4 rule that requires planning permission for a residential property to change its use. Other areas are looking to follow their lead. While the measures have been welcomed by many, the tourism industry has warned of the impact on their sector and the Tories have said the focus should be on building new houses. Recent data in the Land Transaction Tax statistics - the Welsh version of stamp duty - is indicating that the measures are reducing the number of sales to second home and holiday let buyers Those properties sold to buy to let landlords, or as second homes, holiday homes or holiday lets, face a higher rate transaction cost. It is these higher rate sales that are falling as a proportion of total sales. Compared with the previous year (the year ending June 2024), the local authorities with the largest percentage changes were: Isle of Anglesey (decrease of 8 percentage points to 25%) Gwynedd (decrease of 6 percentage points to 26% ) Conwy (decrease of 3 percentage points to 21%) The corresponding changes with the previous year for the three National Parks were: Pembrokeshire Coast: 50% to 38%, a decrease of 12 percentage points Eryri: 36% to 29%, a decrease of 7 percentage points Bannau Brycheiniog: 19% to 21%, an increase of 1 percentage point Talking about the longer term trend, the latest Welsh Revenue Authority report said: "In the past few years, there have generally been falls in these percentages in northern and western areas of Wales. "The percentages for Gwynedd were fairly stable from 2018-19 to 2021-22 (around 37% to 39%). There was a marked fall the next year followed by a period of stability, before another notable decrease to 26% in the year ending June 2025. "The percentages for Anglesey declined from 36% in 2019-20 to 29% in 2022-23. While there was a notable increase to 34% in the year to June 2024, there followed a larger fall to 25% in the year to June 2025." Adam Al-Nuaimi, Head of Data Analysis in the WRA, said: "Comparing the year to June with the previous year, many areas of Wales saw decreases in their percentage of residential transactions which were higher rates, in particular the Isle of Anglesey and Gwynedd. "We're pleased to publish our second annual article about intent behind higher rates transactions and report on trends for the first time. The article tells us that many of the trends in higher rates transactions were due to changes in purchases of second homes, holiday homes or holiday lets. These trends are consistent with policies around second homes in Wales having some impact on purchasing behaviour. "Nationally in April to June, quarterly residential revenues were higher than the same time last year, but not as high as three years earlier. There are several reasons for the latest rise. There were increases in residential transactions and average property values over that time, and tax rates for higher rates transactions increased from December 2024."
