A MUM-of-three from Abertillery is showcasing the benefits of superfast broadband as part of a new campaign to promote its benefits and encourage further adoption by both business and families across Blaenau Gwent.

Nicole Pascoe, who has three children – Jake (20), Sienna (9) and Ethan (14) who has autism – is supporting the Welsh Government campaign after witnessing first-hand how a superfast internet service can transform modern family life.

With conventional broadband not adequately servicing her family’s heavy internet usage, Nicole switched to superfast as soon as it became available.

Nicole said: “Although where we live regular broadband speeds are relatively good, we are an absolutely hectic household with five people wanting completely different things from their internet service – often on as many different devices.

“My middle son has autism, so relies on the internet for everything from gaming on his Nintendo, to using specialist autistic apps and websites on his iPad, to reading on his kindle, which he does daily. He also has hypermobility and dyspraxia so uses the home PC to carry out and submit homework via an online portal for his teachers. He can become quite distressed when he can’t access the devices he wants on demand, so it’s really important that we have the most efficient service possible.

“His brother, my eldest, is studying a hugely technical and very data and computer-based course at university, so having a strong internet connection is a must. He often comes home at weekends too, so needs the same efficiency and speeds he has at university. He spent the summer in the States so a reliable connection was crucial to putting our minds at rest through daily Facetimes too.

“Add their sister into the mix, a nine-year-old who’s obsessed with watching YouTube beauty tutorials – and me, who relies on the internet for grocery shopping and banking, and you’ve got a household that’s completely reliant on the best possible internet service.”

Nicole added that many of her colleagues and friends simply aren’t aware of its benefits, or are under the impression it’s far more expensive than conventional broadband. She 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 97 per cent of the Superfast Cymru roll-out programme complete in Blaenau Gwent, 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 Blaenau Gwent 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 the Pascoes’ story shows, faster broadband speeds are enabling families and individuals to carry out their activities with greater speed and efficiency than ever before, and on multiple devices. 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 Blaenau Gwent 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.

To find out what broadband is available, people are advised to visit gov.wales/broadband. This also includes information for those not yet able to receive superfast broadband as support may be available through the Welsh Government’s Access Broadband Cymru scheme, which provides grant funding to access superfast broadband through other means.

Representatives from Welsh Government will also be on-hand to chat to local people about superfast broadband at Festival Park in Ebbw Vale on November 5.