“Wales needs funding to match broadband expectations” – Mick Bates AM (Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire)

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Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire <post@cwsplibdems.org.uk>

“Wales needs funding to match broadband expectations” – Mick Bates AM

January 29, 2009 12:00 AM
Originally published by Welsh Liberal Democrats

Montgomeryshire AM Mick Bates has welcomed the publication of Lord Carter's interim report on 'Digital Britain', which recommends that a 2Mb/s universal access provision to broadband should be in place by 2012, but warns that Wales must receive it's fair share of funding to match broadband expectations.

Commenting Mick stated:

"The news that that universal access to broadband by 2012 has been put forward is very exciting and a tremendous boost after years of campaigning. The announcement will be welcomed by individuals and businesses across Wales, who have for too long been left behind by the digital revolution.

"At a time of economic recession universal broadband access will be a huge boost to many local businesses, enabling them to survive, prosper and compete in local, national and global markets, but the Government must act swiftly on the proposals and put in place a framework for the whole of the UK.

"There are geographical reasons why it is hard to get broadband to some parts of Wales which will require substantial investment, but this must not be an excuse for failing to meet expectations. It is crucial that Wales receives a share of any funding, based on need rather than population, to allow the roll out of universal access to the most difficult and rural areas across Wales."

Under the current USO, BT must provide 'functional internet access', interpreted as dial-up with a speed of 28.8 kilobits per second.

"For too long people and businesses in rural areas have suffered with the minimum of internet speeds" added Mick. "I hope the announcement today will get the ball rolling rapidly and we see universal access to broadband over the next few years, so that Wales can take a long awaited step forward into the digital age with a high bandwidth, affordable data communications infrastructure for the future."