Evaluation of the Next Generation Broadband Wales Programme
Client: Welsh Government
The 'Next Generation Broadband Wales' programme, known as Superfast Cymru, was established to extend coverage to those areas across Wales not covered by the commercial roll-out of superfast broadband. The programme was funded from the 2007-13 ERDF programmes in the Convergence and Competitive regions of Wales, the Welsh Government, and Broadband Delivery UK. Private investment was also committed by BT, the selected commercial delivery partner.
In 2015, the Welsh Government commissioned SQW to lead an independent impact and process evaluation of Superfast Cymru. The evaluation included surveys of enterprises and households (covering those that had and had not adopted superfast broadband); consultations with partners and stakeholders involved in the programme; and the development of an impact model to estimate the net economic, social and environmental impacts of the programme. Primary research was also undertaken with BT apprentices.
This work built on SQW's extensive previous experience in broadband-related assignments, including the UK Broadband Impact Study for DCMS. At its time, this report developed the most comprehensive and rigorous assessment to date of the economic, social and environmental impacts associated with faster broadband – and of publicly funded investment in faster broadband.
The Welsh Government published SQW's Evaluation of the Next Generation Broadband Wales Programme, which is available to download here.
