Wales’ largest alternative network provider, Ogi, has secured £45 million in funding from the Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) to support the expansion of its fibre network across South Wales. Established in 2017, CCR encompasses 10 local councils in South East Wales, focusing on job creation and critical infrastructure projects.
The fresh investment will enable Ogi to broaden its full-fibre network coverage in Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Newport, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Torfaen, and the Vale of Glamorgan. The company already has installations in these regions. CEO Ben Allwright remarked, “With key strategic sites like Aberthaw to the south and the heads of the valleys to the north, there’s massive potential across the capital region – and partnering with CCR at such an exciting time in their own development is the next logical step for Ogi’s growth in southeast Wales.”
Councillor Mary Ann Brocklesby added, “Ogi has taken regeneration to a new level with its initial investment – connecting communities to new possibilities right across the Cardiff Capital Region and beyond. Our investment into Ogi recognises that ongoing commitment to boosting the region, and the work already being done to bring vital connectivity to some of Wales’s biggest towns and villages.”
Although the specific number of new premises to benefit from the funding was not disclosed, the impact of the investment is expected to be substantial. Ogi previously secured funding from Infracapital in 2021, enabling them to provide 100,000 premises in South Wales with fibre-to-the-premises technology, with one in five of those premises becoming customers.
This investment underscores the significant role of fiber networks in modern telecommunications infrastructure, enhancing connectivity in both rural and urban areas. Expanding fiber networks ensures faster, more reliable internet connections, crucial for remote work, digital education, and smart city initiatives.
At the heart of this expansion is the goal to bridge the digital divide, providing high-speed internet access to underserved areas. This initiative aligns with broader efforts in the UK to enhance digital infrastructure nationwide, contributing to economic growth and improved quality of life.
