Written question WQ100163

We are working closely with the UK Government to ensure the AI Growth Zones deliver benefits across the whole of Wales.

Our ambition goes well beyond new data centre investment. We want to create opportunities for Welsh businesses, researchers and communities.

The AI Growth Zones will help attract investment in AI innovation, research and skills. They will support the growth of new businesses and strengthen existing firms. This includes opportunities for Welsh SMEs.

Each UK AI Growth Zone will receive up to £5 million for innovation, research, skills and development activity. We are working with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on delivery plans.

We are also taking a joined-up approach across north and south Wales. This will help maximise opportunities and spread the benefits more widely.

Alongside this, we are building partnerships with leading organisations, including NVIDIA. These partnerships will support AI adoption, encourage collaboration with universities and help businesses make greater use of AI technologies.

Our goal is clear. We want Welsh businesses, including SMEs, to have the skills, support and opportunities they need to benefit from growth in artificial intelligence.

Responsibility for improving broadband and mobile phone connectivity in Wales rests with the UK Government. They expect 99% of premises to have access to a gigabit-capable connection by 2032 and is delivering in Wales through its Project Gigabit investment programme. My officials meet regularly with their counterparts in the UK Government to discuss improving digital infrastructure in Wales and have worked with them to identify those premises that do not have access to fast and reliable broadband. We plan to invest where there are gaps in both commercial and UK-led public sector schemes – including Project Gigabit – to ensure that every home and business in Wales has access to at least superfast broadband. We are undertaking a further review of broadband connectivity to identify those premises with the slowest broadband speeds and where there are no plans for improvements in the next three years.

The UK Government and the mobile phone industry are working to improve 4G coverage across the UK through the Shared Rural Network programme. My officials work closely with them on the programme and have established a joint working group to support its delivery in Wales.