The Welsh Government’s relaunched Access Broadband Cymru (ABC) grant scheme has connected 1,000 properties across Wales.

The ABC programme provides grant funding to support the installation of a fast, reliable broadband to homes and business properties in Wales that are unable to achieve a connection via any other means.

Properties can receive up to £800 for both equipment costs and installation costs.

The scheme was previously paused to review its operations and was relaunched last year.

Since its relaunch, more grants are being processed more quickly. The cost of the average claim has also reduced following changes, meaning more people can benefit.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: "Fast, reliable broadband connectivity is essential for modern life.

"The ABC scheme was designed to ensure no one in Wales is left behind in our digital society – including those in the very hardest to reach premises.

"Reaching the 1,000 properties milestone shows the scheme is delivering for people across Wales, helping improve their lives by providing the internet speeds they need."

David Hedges, a resident who benefitted from the scheme, said: "Our download speeds now regularly reach between 150 and 450 Mbps. Before we were lucky to get 30 Mbps via a 4G connection, as fibre broadband wasn’t available to us.

"So much of our lives revolve around internet access that having a fast, reliable service has removed so many hassles in terms of ordering goods and services, making appointments, being able to have uninterrupted phone calls and all the benefits I assume people in towns and cities never have to question.

"Our install was DIY and a little complicated as our eco-house is designed to be airtight. We also had to install a satellite dish at height, to be above surrounding trees, but for most other users it will simply be a question of fixing the satellite dish to their property and running a cable directly through a wall."