The £45m investment from Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) into Ogi, Wales’ biggest alternative network provider, represents CCR’s largest single investment into a company since its formation in 2017. The debt-financing package aims to develop and transform digital capabilities in villages, towns and cities across the Cardiff Capital Region, helping to reduce digital disparities and offer local communities and businesses reliable services and ultrafast connectivity.
Businesses will be positively impacted by having better reliable broadband, enabling greater productivity, cloud computing, AI and data storage. The investment is also foundational to the development of CCR’s high-tech sectors and key to ongoing developments like the Investment Zone.
One of CCR’s key priority sectors, the creative industries has already benefited from Ogi’s data connectivity capabilities, with the recent 2024 Paralympics live produced remotely at The Broadcast Centre Cymru in central Cardiff.
Ogi’s new full fibre infrastructure is bypassing old, worn-out connections and giving people working and living in the Region a new level of connectivity. The package will bring many benefits including local employment, and with 100,000 premises already on the new fibre to the premise [FTTP] network, it’s Ogi’s ambition to reach many more.
Wales Office Minister Nia Griffith said:
“This is a significant investment by Cardiff Capital Region, backed by the UK Government, which will be transformational for many people and businesses in south east Wales. Good digital connectivity is vital for economic growth and to enable people to access services and enjoy their leisure time.
“I’m delighted that the investment is being put into a Welsh company, Ogi, demonstrating the benefits of working together to create jobs and prosperity.”
Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, Leader of Monmouthshire County Council and Chair of Cardiff Capital Region Committee, said:
“This investment on a practical level means so much for residents and businesses who may have previously struggled with broadband connectivity. Bringing our Region quite literally up to speed will enhance not only user experience, but also encourage further opportunities and economic growth that align with CCR’s vision for an inclusive, next generation digital infrastructure.”
Cllr Andrew Morgan, Leader Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council and Portfolio Holder for Infrastructure and Major Projects Delivery, said:
“This major project is being delivered with the express aim of enabling our Region to compete on so many levels. I’m looking forward to the next stages of this Welsh company’s development and seeing even more of the Region benefit from the capabilities of full fibre today, in readiness for tomorrow.”
Ogi’s Chief Executive Officer, Ben Allwright, said:
“Right from the start, our ambition has been to become a leading Welsh telecoms company, and the last few years have certainly laid strong foundations for that goal.
“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.”
