Many parts of rural Wales, unlike urban centres, are in danger of being left behind when it comes to the worldwide digital revolution which is seeing citizens and business operators alike becoming increasingly dependent on broadband services.
A major Welsh Local Government Association report published today – ‘Broadband in Rural Wales’ , highlights the significant variation in broadband provision between urban and rural parts of Wales and discusses the impact this is having on communities and businesses in these areas.
The WLGA is warning that the social and economic wellbeing of communities in rural areas is under serious threat unless measures are put in place to ensure that rural Wales can remain as economically competitive as other parts of Wales and has access to the same opportunities for social and educational advancement through the use of high – speed broadband technology – something which it lacks currently.
Cllr John Davies (Pembrokeshire), WLGA Leader said:
“High-speed broadband is vital to wellbeing in Wales and is a key enabler for social and economic improvement in communities. However, there are increasing concerns that the rural communities of Wales are being left further behind in the provision of broadband infrastructure and associated services compared to the urban areas and that this ‘digital gap’ could have a considerable impact on the social and economic wellbeing of rural communities .
A much greater priority must be given to broadband provision in these areas to enable citizens and businesses to gain access to current and future online services and opportunities provided by the public, private and third sectors.. Unless swift action is taken, rural Wales runs the risk of falling behind in the digital age. All relevant parties and organisations must work together to make sure this does not happen. All areas of Wales, regardless of locality, must have equal opportunity to remain economically competitive, socially and educationally advanced and have the same potential for accessing good quality services by all.”
The report highlights the plethora of benefits that broadband communications can offer and shows how the existing telecommunications infrastructure across many parts of rural Wales is creating a barrier to the economic development of these areas.
As the UK government sets about developing its “Digital Britain” action plan the publication of this report is timely in supporting further debate and the determination of future policy and practice for the delivery of a network infrastructure in Wales capable of meeting the current and future needs of citizens, businesses and communities.
For copies of the full report visit: http://www.wlga.gov.uk/english/procurement-publications/broadband-in-rural-wales/
