ITS has been awarded a £3.5m dark fibre contract to boost connectivity across South Wales.
Dark fibre is about accessing unused fibre optic cables with no service running on them to create high capacity networks. It’s “dark” because they aren’t lit by a light signal.
The contract will see the Daresbury-firm move into Carmarthenshire for the first time, as part of Swansea Bay City Deal’s Digital Infrastructure Programme to enhance public sector connectivity across region.
It will serve 41 dark fibre connections across 34 strategic public sector sites, connecting education, health and local authorities.
This will allow sites and data centres to store, move, and share large quantities of data securely at ultra-high speed. As a result, it should improve collaboration between partners, including Carmarthenshire County Council, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Hywel Dda University Health Board, and Coleg Sir Gar.
“Not only will this enhance the quality and reliability of services for communities across the county, but it will also act as a catalyst for further investment into digital infrastructure,” said Cllr Hazel Evans from Carmarthenshire County Council.
“This investment will foster innovation and economic growth, helping to ensure that Carmarthenshire is able to benefit from technological advancements.”
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ITS said it will also invest in a wholesale full fibre network that mirrors the dark fibre route and extends beyond it to pass more than 2,800 businesses.
This private investment will enable access to gigabit-capable services, “significantly enhancing the area’s digital infrastructure.”
“We are thrilled to have been successful in this tender process which will see us play a pivotal role in transforming the area’s digital landscape. As our first public sector contract in South Wales, this is a fantastic milestone for us and one that will provide the foundation for a connected future for the region, driving innovation and prosperity for the entire community,” explained Daren Baythorpe, CEO of ITS.
“ITS has a strong track record of working with the public sector to deliver connectivity solutions that benefit local businesses and communities, putting social value at the heart of each project. This type of innovation aligns perfectly with the Digital Infrastructure Programme’s objectives, providing a platform for economic growth and bridging the digital divide.”
The Swansea Bay City Deal is a £1.3bn investment in the region, aimed at transforming the economic landscape through a series of innovative projects.
