What PSBA is and does
Public Sector Broadband Aggregation (PSBA) provides secure and reliable connectivity for public sector organisations across Wales.
Launched in 2007, PSBA connects organisations through a secure national Wide Area Network (WAN). Today, the programme supports more than 100 public sector organisations and almost 5,000 sites across Wales, including local authorities, NHS Wales bodies, emergency services, education providers, social housing organisations and Welsh Government departments.
Operated by Welsh Government and delivered by BT, PSBA enables organisations to access resilient, cost-effective connectivity that supports essential public services.
By accessing services together through a single national contract, PSBA helps deliver secure digital infrastructure, consistent service levels and value for money. As a result, organisations can focus on delivering services for communities across Wales.
Governance and partnership
PSBA is operated by Welsh Government and delivered by BT.
Welsh Government provides strategic oversight.. Ensuring the network continues to support national priorities and delivers long-term value for the Welsh public sector.
BT provides the network infrastructure, technical expertise, operational delivery and customer facing services.
Together, the partnership supports reliable connectivity and trusted service delivery across the public sector.
Strategic importance to Wales
Public services depend on reliable digital infrastructure. Healthcare systems, emergency services, education providers and local authorities all rely on secure networks to operate effectively.
PSBA supports these services by providing a shared national connectivity network. By connecting organisations through common infrastructure, It strengthens resilience and enables collaboration across Wales.
The PSBA network connects more than 640 GP surgeries, helping to modernise and improve digital infrastructure in primary care settings.
Across Wales, organisations rely on PSBA connectivity to support communication, digital services and day-to-day operations.
PSBA Services
PSBA provides a range of connectivity and network services designed to support organisations across the Welsh public sector.
These include:
Wide Area Network (WAN) connectivity
Fully managed wide area network services connecting public sector organisations, sites and systems across Wales.
Internet Connectivity
High-capacity internet connectivity supporting digital services, collaboration and secure access to online systems.
Secure Roaming Services
Reliable connectivity enabling staff to access networks and systems securely while working across locations.
Network Security Services
Security services including firewalls and content filtering to help protect public sector networks and data.
Network Consultancy and Support
Strategic advice and technical support to help organisations plan, develop and manage network infrastructure.
Professional Services
Purpose and who it is for Our professional services support organisations in implementing network solutions and integrating PSBA services into their infrastructure. Key Benefits Key Features More information RELATED SERVICES
Learn more about the PSBA services available or explore how the it supports sectors across Wales.
How PSBA works
A national connectivity network
PSBA connects public sector organisations across Wales through a secure and resilient network infrastructure.
It provides wide area network connectivity that links organisations, offices and sites across the country. As a result, organisations can securely access systems, share information and collaborate across locations.
This shared infrastructure supports more than 100 public sector organisations and almost 5,000 sites, enabling reliable connectivity for a wide range of public services.
Security, resilience and reliability
It provides secure connectivity supported by firewalls, WebSafe filtering and other network protection measures. These services help safeguard public sector systems and data.
Resilience is built into the network design, helping organisations maintain reliable connectivity for day-to-day operations and critical services.
Clear Service Level Agreements (SLAs) define service expectations and help ensure consistent service delivery across the public sector.
How organisations engage with PSBA
Public sector organisations can access PSBA services through a clearly defined governance and delivery framework.
Typically, organisations work with the PSBA team to set out their connectivity requirements and identify suitable services. The team then supports organisations through planning, onboarding and implementation.
Once connected, organisations benefit from secure national connectivity that supports communication, collaboration and digital services.
Learn more about PSBA services or see how the programme supports sectors across Wales.
Who can join
Eligibility
PSBA supports a wide range of organisations across the Welsh public sector.
Eligible organisations include:
Local authorities and councils
Supporting local authorities with reliable connectivity for services, staff and community infrastructure.
NHS Wales organisations and health boards
Providing resilient connectivity that supports healthcare systems, clinical services and patient information.
Benefits of joining PSBA
Organisations that join the PSBA programme gain access to a trusted national connectivity network designed for the needs of the Welsh public sector.
Key benefits include:
Secure and resilient connectivity supporting public services
Responsive customer service
24/7×365 service desk and incident response
Reliable access to shared national network infrastructure
Secure access for staff working across locations
Network security services that help protect systems and data
Support and expertise for network planning and development
Next Steps
Organisations interested in joining PSBA can contact the PSBA team to discuss their requirements and available services.
The team can provide guidance on eligibility, onboarding and service options.
Contact the PSBA team to learn more about joining the programme. You can also explore the PSBA services available or see how the programme supports sectors across Wales.
Why PSBA exists
Supporting reliable public service connectivity
Public sector organisations depend on reliable digital infrastructure to deliver services. Historicallymany organisations managed separate connectivity contracts and network arrangements. This created complexity, inconsistent service levels and barriers to collaboration.
PSBA was established to address these challenges by providing a shared national connectivity network for public sector organisations across Wales. Working together on a shared platform helps reduce complexity, drives consistency and supports collaboration across organisations and sector boundaries.
By aggregating demand across organisations, PSBA enables secure, resilient and cost-effective connectivity that supports essential public services.
Enabling collaboration and digital transformation
Many public services rely on collaboration between organisations. Healthcare providers, local authorities and emergency services often need to access systems or share information across different locations.
PSBA supports this collaboration by connecting organisations through a secure national network. As a result, staff can access systems across sites and organisations can work together more effectively.
This shared infrastructure also supports digital transformation across the Welsh public sector, enabling organisations to adopt digital services, share information securely and modernise the way services are delivered.
Evidence of value and outcomes
Public sector organisations across Wales rely on PSBA connectivity to support essential services, including:
- Connecting more than 640 GP surgeries, helping healthcare providers access secure networks and digital systems
- Supporting reliable connectivity for emergency services
- Enabling digital learning in schools and education settings
- Supporting secure communication across government organisations
Aberystwyth University has used PSBA connectivity to provide public access Wi-Fi across its campus, supporting students, staff and visitors with reliable internet access.
Case Study Spotlight
Borderbrook School
Fibre to the Premises connectivity increased speeds by up to 150 times. Teachers and pupils can now use online learning platforms and digital educational resources more effectively. The Challenge Borderbrook Primary School previously had a broadband connection of only 0.5 Mbps. The slow connection made it difficult for teachers to use online resources in lessons.
Contact Us
If your organisation is interested in joining PSBA or learning more about available services, please e-mail PSBA.new.connection.enquiries@bt.com and a member of our dedicated team will be in touch.