A TEAM of experts coming together to drive digital connectivity in North Wales with the vision of making the region is the most digitally connected in the UK.

The team will advise the North Wales Economic Ambition Board (NWEAB) on the digital strategy for the £240m North Wales Growth Deal. The team will be formed by Askar Sheibani, who is the CEO of Deeside-based Comtek Network Systems and Sorrento Networks,

He is also chairman of Deeside Business Forum, which has led a long-running campaign for better digital connectivity on behalf of its members across North Wales and the North West of England.

The vision is to deliver the significant socio-economic benefits of full fibre connectivity to the region, to connect all buildings with ultrafast connectivity, and to establish North Wales as the most attractive location for business growth and investment. Its mission is to recognise North Wales as the most digitally connected region in the United Kingdom.

Askar Sheibani said: “It’s so exciting that all six North Wales local authorities are backing this group and inviting the private sector to lead on such vital infrastructure.

“Ultrafast connectivity is a business essential and we’re determined the £42m from the growth deal and other sources is spent in the best possible way to deliver this for North Wales.

“We’ve also made no secret of the fact that we believe digital connectivity needs an investment of at least £120m, so we’ll continue to lobby for more funding.”