Campaign Launched To Showcase Benefits Of Superfast Broadband
“I can download a film while waiting for the kettle to boil” says Caerphilly hairdresser hailing the benefits of superfast broadband at home
A 29-year-old hairdresser and self-confessed film buff from Caerphilly is getting behind a new campaign to promote the benefits of superfast broadband and encourage its further adoption across Caerphilly.
Daniel Richards, who lives with his partner, Matt Jones and is co-owner of Cracked Actors hairdressing salon in Caerphilly, is supporting the Welsh Government campaign after experiencing first-hand how a superfast internet service can help make practical everyday tasks like grocery shopping, online banking and answering emails so much quicker and easier.
Daniel and his partner, Matt are avid film and box set fans and like nothing more than settling down on the sofa at night to a movie or drama. With conventional broadband not adequately enabling them to download or stream TV shows or movies quick enough, they signed up to a superfast connection as soon as it became available in their area.
Daniel said: “As soon as I switched to superfast I immediately noticed the difference in so many aspects of our lives.
“I can download a box set or stream a movie on Netflix at a touch of a button and it’s ready to watch by the time I’ve boiled the kettle! It doesn’t even buffer or crash now, unlike before.
“I’m also able to quickly check my work emails and update our social media channels without any hassle and it makes doing mundane tasks like grocery shopping and online banking much easier, leaving me more time to relax and enjoy watching a movie or surfing the internet for my latest fashion fix!”
“We often also use Skype to speak to friends or family on holiday and since we switched we’ve both been surprised at how clear it has been.”
Daniel added that many of his colleagues and friends simply aren’t aware of its benefits, or are under the impression it’s far more expensive than conventional broadband.
He continued: “I’m surprised how many people don’t have it. I wanted superfast for ages, so as soon as it became available I was able to take advantage of a deal from my current provider which meant it was the same cost as regular broadband.”
With almost 89% of the Superfast Cymru roll-out programme complete in Caerphilly, the Welsh Government superfast campaign is aiming to promote superfast broadband to residents to demonstrate its benefits and encourage its further use across the county.
While most of the county can now access faster broadband should they wish to do so, a small percentage of premises are not yet able to access it. Assistance is also available for them on the Welsh Government website or by contacting the Welsh Government broadband team.*
Welsh Government Minister for Skills and Science, Julie James, said: “While the majority of homes in Caerphilly can now access superfast broadband should they wish, many people are simply not fully aware of its benefits or how it can be accessed. As Daniel’s story shows, faster broadband speeds are enabling people to carry out daily activities with greater speed and efficiency than ever before. This includes activities such as downloading large learning resources for children, managing bank accounts, shopping for groceries, paying household bills or using video services such as Skype.
“We want as many people as possible to realise these benefits, and this campaign is aiming to showcase how the technology is impacting thousands of lives in communities across Wales.”
Households and businesses in Caerphilly wanting to take advantage of the benefits of fast fibre broadband should contact an internet service provider (ISP) of their choice to place an order.
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