This project is an innovative response to mobile ‘not spots’ in rural Gwynedd, in particular for those who are excluded digitally.

The main aim of the project is to pilot a public access Wi-Fi connection in the village of Aberdaron. Rural areas, such as Aberdaron, often suffer from very poor mobile provision and no 3G/4G connection. Is it possible for rural communities to do things their own way and discover innovative and creative ways to keep up with modern life? This is what Arloesi Gwynedd Wledig is trying to uncover!

Aberdaron was selected by Arloesi Gwynedd Wledig to pilot how to bring public access Wi-Fi to remote and rural communities. Access to the internet is crucial in ensuring the modern tourist can make the most of their stay in an area and let their friends and family know about the great time they’re having.

Arloesi Gwynedd Wledig funded the installation of a public access Wi-Fi network across the village of Aberdaron to learn how every community in rural Gwynedd could run their own Wi-Fi network. Taking advantage of the superfast broadband provided to the village by the Welsh Government’s Superfast Wales Programme, Arloesi Gwynedd Wledig, working with local businesses and the National Trust – all members of Aberdaron & District Tourist Link – installed transmitters on their buildings bringing free Wi-Fi to everyone visiting the village and the adjacent beach.

People expect to be able to connect to the internet to share information on Facebook, make reservations or check when local attractions are open. Being able to do these things while remaining in Aberdaron will be good for business. Aberdaron was selected for the pilot due to its unique geography coupled with a high number of visitors. This will provide a stern test of the digital infrastructure and prove whether there is a demand for this type of provision.

At the end of the 12 month pilot a toolkit will be created which will include information on how the service was set up along with all the lessons learnt. This will be publicly available via the Arloesi Gwynedd Wledig website.