Access Broadband Cymru: who qualifies and how to apply

What it is

Access Broadband Cymru pays the install cost of a new broadband connection where your current speed is below 30 Mbps and commercial rollout isn't expected at your address. It doesn't cover the ongoing monthly fee, that's standard broadband from then on, but it makes the up-front cost of getting connected manageable.

How much

The grant is worth up to £800 per premises (£550 towards kit, £250 towards installation). The grant can cover some or all of the install cost. It does not cover the ongoing monthly service fee.

Eligibility, the four things to check

1. Your current broadband at the property is below 30 Mbps. (Mobile broadband on a phone doesn't count for this check, it's the fixed connection at the property that matters.)
2. Commercial rollout isn't planned for the address within the near term. Wholesale networks publish rollout plans; if any of them are expected to upgrade your area soon, the grant typically doesn't apply.
3. The new service will reliably get you over 30 Mbps. Most fibre, 4G and Starlink installs do.
4. The property is in Wales.

What technologies are covered

Anything that gets you over 30 Mbps reliably, full-fibre (FTTP), 4G/5G fixed wireless, or satellite (including Starlink). The choice of technology is yours and ours together; we recommend what works at your address.

Common questions

Do I apply myself?

Yes. You apply for the grant yourself through the Welsh Government. We check whether your address is likely to qualify, explain how the grant works, and give you a quote. We take a 50% deposit before ordering kit and the rest on completion.

How long does it take?

From application to install is usually four to eight weeks, most of that is the eligibility confirmation plus any survey for the chosen technology.

What if my address doesn't qualify?

Some addresses don't, typically those with reasonable current speeds, or where commercial rollout is imminent. We'll always tell you straight if the grant doesn't apply, and we'll quote the install at standard rates instead.

How we can help

You send us your postcode. We check eligibility for free and give you a quote that fits the grant. If you want to go ahead, you apply through the Welsh Government and we book the install once the grant is confirmed. See our Cymru grant page for more.