Avonline Networks (‘Avonline’), a part of M Group Services, has been awarded a five-year contract to support the delivery of enhanced broadband capability across south east Wales on behalf of Ogi, Wales’ fastest growing broadband company.
Under the terms of the £25m agreement, Avonline will play an important role in building the new network, delivering full fibre network connectivity to 52,000 homes and businesses across the south east Wales region. The programme of work will form part of a broader £200m infrastructure build project to deploy full fibre broadband to 150,000 premises across south Wales by the end of 2025.
Work is already underway to bring full fibre broadband to the town of Abergavenny, making it amongst the first communities in Wales to benefit from top-speed, future-proof broadband from Ogi.
Deputy Leader Sara Jones, Monmouth County Council Cabinet Member for Economy said:“Having the best connectivity in our communities is imperative, not least as we begin on the road to recovery from the impacts of the pandemic, and support Monmouthshire businesses get back on their feet. Living in a digital age means having access to the very best broadband is essential and I’m delighted we’ve been able to work with Ogi to bring this access to our communities in Abergavenny.”
“Made and built in Wales for Wales, we’re working on making ‘full fibre’ real and relevant for every person who joins our service, by bringing new experiences to life: we’ll be the internet promise that delivers. Gamers will game. Zoomers will zoom. Businesses will grow. Everyone getting on with what they need to,” said Ben Allwright, CEO of Ogi.
“We’re totally committed to helping every Welsh community build back better,” he added. “Everyone prospers when brilliant broadband delivers real opportunities, resilience and sustainability, and we have big ambitions to see Wales flourish.”
Neil Harris, Head of Build (Ogi) at Avonline, commented: “We are delighted to have secured this contract award that will draw on our extensive full fibre network build and installation experience and capabilities. We look forward to collaborating with Ogi on this exciting five-year programme that will deliver a significantly enhanced broadband service for people and businesses across the region.”
Rich Hale, Managing Director of Avonline, commented: “The agreement signals an exciting period of digital development and opportunity for communities in south east Wales. These works will bring a range of benefits to local communities including an enhanced full fibre broadband service and new digital opportunities for work, learning, leisure, and wellbeing, as well as considerable environmental benefits.”