Gareth Jones
Digital Programme Manager
The Regional Digital Team is responsible for the delivery of the Digital Infrastructure Programme and it’s three workstreams, namely – Connected Places, Rural and Next Generation Wireless. We work closely with UK and Welsh Government to ensure that our investment is aligned to, and complements interventions such as Project Gigabit and the Shared Rural Network. We also regularly meet with suppliers to ensure that our approach facilitates and where possible accelerates their planned commercial rollout within the region.
To support the programme at a local level and as recommended in the UK Governments Barrier Busting Handbook for Local Authorities and Welsh Government’s Barrier Busting report, we’ve funded digital champions in each local authority.
Our Digital Connectivity Relationship Managers are the single point of contact for industry, government, and internal departments for everything relating to both fixed and mobile infrastructure deployment within their county. We have several suppliers actively building infrastructure across the region and our teams meet with them regularly to discuss local rollout, work through any challenges that can delay or affect timeframes for delivery and provide updates from key internal departments such as highways and planning.
Our Broadband Engagement Officers work with communities and businesses to help them access better broadband through voucher schemes and other interventions. They can offer advice on alternative technology and are on hand to listen to any concerns communities or businesses may have. If you don’t have decent broadband, get in touch with your local team and they’ll let you know what your options are.
