Data centre operator Next Generation Data is helping deliver ultrafast 10Gbps broadband connectivity to more than 4,000 under served small businesses in South Wales and South West England.

Newport-based NGD is partnering with wholesale fibre broadband infrastructure provider Nextgenaccess to enable a new 80km high capacity fibre route, connecting Bristol directly to NGD’s data centre – the largest in Europe.

The initiative, which includes a 4km fibre section spanning the Severn Bridge, will make the new ultrafast service available to businesses from early next year.

Simon Bearne, commercial director, Next Generation Data, said: “We are excited to be working with NGA on this project to bring a new fibre route into the data centre to complement the many fibre routes we already have. What’s particularly significant however is the way we are doing it with NGA as the new fibre route will also allow local businesses to have greater choice when it comes to ultrafast network connectivity.”

Mark Weller, managing director, Nextgenaccess Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be connecting to NGD’s world class data centre which is pivotal in enabling our independent ultrafast network in the region. Local small businesses will have unique access to truly next generation full-fibre broadband at a proven lower cost than traditional telecoms operators.”

NGA recently received £22m of investment from the National Digital Infrastructure Fund which was established in 2017 to invest in the next generation of digital infrastructure in the UK.

The funding will allow NGA to accelerate scale deployment of its independent ultrafast network across the UK.