ISP TFL Brings 10Mbps Wireless Broadband to St David’s Cathedral in Wales

Pembrokeshire-based wireless ISP TFL-Group has expanded the coverage of its local WiFi network in the Welsh community of St David’s to serve the local Cathedral, as well as its staff, residents, offices and outbuildings.

The Cathedral, Deanery, Vestry, Canonry, Choir Scholars accommodation and site management offices, which had previously suffered due to BT’s slow fixed line network, are now all online and able to enjoy internet download speeds of 10Mbps (Megabits per second).

It’s understood that the project required a “very careful and sensitive installation” in order to avoid damaging any of the historic Cathedral site, which apparently dates back to 589AD (note: the current Cathedral has been standing since 1181AD). The antennas also had to be hidden from view.

TFL Group director, Jonathan England, said:

“The challenge at St Davids was to provide a high-speed broadband signal into a variety of historic buildings, with as little visual and environmental impact as possible. We’re delighted to have had the opportunity to deliver broadband to such a significant part of Wales’ history and heritage.”

Apparently St Davids Cathedral now aims to expand its online presence, with plans for a new web-based shop, as well as developing its social media outreach via Facebook and Twitter.

The project was partly funded by money from the Welsh Government’s Broadband Support Scheme, which helps premises that can only receive broadband speeds of below 2Mbps.