Rural 19th Century Powys Apartments get 21st Century Digital Upgrade

Openreach , 14th July 2022

Fay Jones MP and James Evans MS have been out meeting Openreach engineers who are currently installing the next generation of broadband technology in and around Brecon and Radnorshire.

During their visit both politicians were shown how Openreach has built an ultrafast Full Fibre network directly from the exchange in Brecon to serve properties in the surrounding areas – including the beautiful 19th century Penoyre House in Cradoc.

Built in 1846-8, the former country home – which is now a block of apartments having previously been used as a school, golf clubhouse and nursing home – was recently connected with some of the fastest and most reliable broadband in Europe.

Working closely with the landlord of the Grade II listed building, Openreach engineers were able to discreetly install fibre to every apartment using ultra-thin ‘invisi-cable’ which minimises the visual impact of installing a new broadband network.

Fay Jones, Member of Parliament for Brecon and Radnorshire, said:

“Openreach is making a significant investment in its Full Fibre network and people across Wales and it’s been brilliant to see the work that’s being done by their engineers to connect really hard to reach parts of my constituency.”

Speaking after the visit, James Evans, Member of Senedd for Brecon and Radnorshire, said:

“Having a fast reliable connection, no matter where you live, is vital for us all – in terms of how we work, learn and shop. I was amazed at how inconspicuous the internal cabling was and it’s been great to hear the Openreach team explain how they’re delivering ultrafast broadband right across our communities here in Brecon and Radnorshire and the rest of Wales.”

Thousands of residents in similar ‘multi dwelling units’ risk missing out on having fast, reliable broadband installed unless landlords give network builders such as Openreach access to their property.

Connie Dixon, Partnership Director for Openreach in Wales, commented:

“We really enjoyed being able to show both Fay and James the work that’s going on to connect properties up and down their constituency.”

“Penoyre House is a beautiful Grade II listed building and a great example of how our engineers go the extra mile to make sure that our installations are in-keeping with the surroundings.

“We worked closely with the landlord to make sure the build went smoothly but there are thousands of similar properties across Wales that risk missing out on Full Fibre broadband because our engineers cannot gain access to the property. It’s vital that landlords work with us so their residents don’t get left behind.”

Full Fibre can also help add value to properties – helping to attract and retain tenants. In February last year, the UK Government released the results of a survey which found that an increase in broadband speed could boost the value of a home by as much as £3,500.

Mae Fay Jones AS a James Evans (Aelod Senedd) wedi cyfarfod peirianwyr Openreach sy’n gosod y dechnoleg band eang ddiweddaraf yn ardaloedd Brycheiniog a Maesyfed.

Yn ystod yr ymweliad gwelodd y ddau wleidydd sut mae Openreach wedi cysylltu rhwydwaith ffeibr cyflawn cyflym yn syth o gyfnewidfa Aberhonddu i wasanaethu cartrefi a busnesau ardaloedd cyfagos - yn cynnwys Tŷ Penoyre (19eg ganrif), ger pentref Cradoc.

Adeiladwyd y plasty gwledig yn 1846-8 - erbyn hyn troswyd yn fflatiau yn dilyn cyfnodau fel ysgol, clwb golff a chartref nyrsio - ac yn ddiweddar cysylltiwyd â gwasanaeth band eang yn cymharu â’r mwyaf cyflym a dibynadwy yn Ewrop.

Cydweithiodd peirianwyr Openreach â landlord yr adeilad rhestredig Gradd II er mwyn darparu ffeibr ym mhob fflat, gan ddefnyddio ceblau tenau iawn er mwyn eu cuddio o’r golwg.

Dywedodd Fay Jones, Aelod Seneddol Brycheiniog a Sir Faesyfed:

“Mae Openreach yn gwneud buddsoddiad sylweddol yn ei rwydwaith ffeibr cyflawn ar draws y wlad ac roedd yn wych gweld gwaith y peirianwyr i ledu band eang i rannau o fy etholaeth.”

Wrth siarad ar ôl yr ymweliad dywedodd James Evans, Aelod Senedd Brycheiniog a Sir Faesyfed:

“Mae cysylltedd cyflym a dibynadwy yn hanfodol i bawb, dim ots pa leoliad - er mwyn gweithio, dysgu a siopa. Roedd yn wych gweld pa mor gywrain yw'r gwaith mewnol ac yn dda clywed gan dîm Openreach sut maent yn darparu band eang cyflym ar gyfer cymunedau Brycheiniog a sir Faesyfed, a gweddill y wlad.”

Bydd miloedd o drigolion mewn ‘unedau aml annedd’ yn methu cael band eang cyflym fel hyn oni fydd landlordiaid yn caniatáu mynediad i adeiladwyr rhwydwaith fel Openreach osod eu ceblau.

Sylwodd Connie Dixon, Cyfarwyddwraig Partneriaethau Cymru Openreach:

“Roeddem wedi mwynhau dangos Fay a James ein gwaith i gysylltu cartrefi ar hyd a lled yr etholaeth.”

“Mae Tŷ Penoyre yn blasty rhestredig Gradd II ac yn enghraifft wych o ymdrechion ein peirianwyr i drefnu gosodiadau cymwys ar gyfer yr amgylchiadau.

“Cydweithiwyd yn agos â’r landlord wrth gynllunio’r gwaith yma, ond bydd miloedd o adeiladau ar draws y wlad yn methu cael band eang ffeibr cyflawn oherwydd diffyg mynediad i’n peirianwyr.

“Bydd rhaid i landlordiaid gydweithio â ni er mwyn hwyluso darparu’r dechnoleg ddiweddaraf ar gyfer eu trigolion."

Mae ffeibr cyflawn hefyd yn gallu ychwanegu at werth adeiladau - gan helpu i ddenu a chadw tenantiaid. Ym mis Chwefror y llynedd, datgelodd Llywodraeth y DU ganlyniadau arolwg yn nodi bod cynyddu cyflymder band eang yn gallu codi gwerth cartref gymaint â £3,500.