Llanybydder is set to pilot a town wi-fi system, with the project set to be installed in Newcastle Emlyn later this year.

Funded through the LEADER programme and aligned with the county’s Ten Towns initiative, the new system provides free wi-fi for businesses and visitors wishing to access the internet.

Llanybydder is the latest town to benefit from the Carmarthenshire Wi-fi Towns project which places the system in key areas. Carmarthen, Llandeilo Whitland and St Clears have already had the system installed with plans to roll out in Cwmamman, Cross Hands, Llandovery, Laugharne and Newcastle Emlyn later in the year.

The system is able to generate reports that can demonstrate the number of visitors within town, how much time they are spending within the town and how often they visit.

It will also record valuable data to support better visitor experience and aid economic growth.

Network users are also able to sign up to receive marketing materials which gives an opportunity for each town to share their offering to a wider audience via an e-newsletter.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s cabinet member for rural communities, Cllr Ann Davies said: “We are delighted this free service has been made available for Llanybydder. Digital connectivity is an essential utility in today’s society and it enables residents and visitors to access the internet and to find out what local businesses have to offer.”

For more information on this project, or if you are a business in one of the areas covered and wish to receive monthly reports contact [email protected]

The project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

The LEADER programme is funded through the Rural Development Plan for Wales (2014-2020) and is designed to get local people, businesses and communities involved in delivering sustainable and innovative solutions to address some of the economic, social and environmental challenges faced in rural areas.

The Carmarthenshire Wi-fi Towns project areas are: St Clears, Whitland, Llandeilo, Llanybydder, Llandovery,Pendine, Carmarthen, Laugharne, Newcastle Emlyn, Cross Hands, Kidwelly and Cwmamman.