The South and Mid Wales Cave Rescue Team’s (SMWCRT) depot, in Penwyllt above the Swansea valley, is being fitted with a faster, more reliable and future proof broadband connection which will help further improve its search and rescue capabilities.

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With fibre now being connected directly from the local exchange to their depot, the rescue team will have access to some of the fastest internet speeds in the country and be able to utilise valuable online rescue software. The team expects the connection to enable all of its 180 members to be contacted simultaneously at the touch of a button when their rescue skills are needed next.

The new ultrafast and reliable broadband connection will also mean the team can access vital real-time data, such as accurate localised weather forecasts, which could help save valuable time in a rescue operation, and potentially lives.

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The new connection has been made possible by building on top of the infrastructure that was developed by the Superfast Cymru programme which was jointly funded by Openreach, Welsh Government and UK Government.

Dan Thorne, Chair of the South and Mid Wales Cave Rescue team, explains: “South Wales is an attractive location for cavers with a passion for exploring as it has some of the deepest and longest caves in the UK.”

“When we are called out we have to mobilise the right resources, to the right location in a timely manner.

”Some of our rescues last for days and within that sort of time period you need to plan ahead, swapping team members, sourcing food, checking the weather and dealing with our rescue partners. Having fast and reliable access to the internet will help in almost every aspect of planning for a rescue”

“With an ultrafast broadband connection, which wasn’t available to us until now, our surface controllers can now be based at our depot in Penwyllt, and can be confident that the information they need is available in super fast speed”.

With a potential drive time in excess of two hours to a rescue scene, the ability to track the whereabouts of volunteers in relation to an incident, in real time is seen as a key benefit of the new ultrafast broadband connection.

Prior to ultrafast broadband being made available to the depot, the charity had to rely on more traditional telephone and paper-based systems to manage their callouts and rescue attempts.

The South and Mid Wales Cave Rescue team recently gained international recognition for supporting the successful rescue of the Moo Pa young football team and their coach from a cave in Thailand.

Connie Dixon, Openreach’s Partnership Director for Wales, said: “Fast reliable broadband connectivity isn’t just a nice thing to have to download the latest HD film from the comfort of your home in seconds. It can also save lives.”

“Across South Wales there are caves that are up to 90km long so you can appreciate how time and communication is vital should you need to send a rescue team underground.

“Knowing where your team are or being able to relay valuable real time weather information is a game-changer in terms of potentially saving vital seconds or minutes and we’re delighted that Openreach is playing a part in making this possible.”

Kirsty Williams, Welsh Assembly Member for Brecon and Radnoshire, said: “The rescue team do such great work and I’m pleased to see this improved connection being secured. It’s an issue I’ve been pursuing and I’m pleased my letter to the Minister for Digital has prompted some action.”

“I recently visited the team and heard about how better broadband would help them, so I’m really looking forward to seeing the improvements this new connection will bring for this valuable service.”

Established in 1946, the South and Mid Wales Cave Rescue Team is one of the oldest rescue teams in the UK. Made up of 180 volunteers the charity responds to a wide range of incidents on behalf of three Police Forces and two Fire Brigades. It’s area of operation extends from Welshpool across to Aberystwyth and everything in Wales below that line – including Pembrokeshire and Monmouthshire.

In addition to traditional cave rescues, the team were also involved in the high-profile search for April Jones and provide technical support to mountain rescue teams as well as assisting in animal rescues and road traffic incidents.