Commenting on the UK Government’s announcement of an additional £12million investment in superfast broadband to focus on connecting remote parts of Wales, Russell George AM, the Shadow Minister covering rural affairs and Chair of the Assembly’s Cross Party Group on Digital Communication, said:
“This is a very welcome announcement from the UK Government.
“The 400 million pound tri-partied investment (Welsh and UK Governments and BT) in the Superfast Cymru project is extremely important for the rural economy of Wales.
“Tortuously slow internet speeds or in some places, the complete lack infrastructure, is hampering economic growth and is making areas uncompetitive and undesirable places to live and work.
“It seems that BT is making good progress with the roll-out of the project but it’s imperative that AMs of all parties continue to keep the pressure on both the Welsh Government and BT to deliver the project on time and on budget.
“For transparency, I think the Welsh Government should clearly state as soon as possible what it intends to do with this extra funding.
“I would like to see closer collaboration between BT and small internet service providers, so that those areas that will not be covered by the project, will be able to seek alternative broadband provision.
“All parts of Wales must be able to share in the proceeds of economic growth and this additional investment in superfast broadband will help ensure that rural communities are not left behind.”
BT Wales Director, Ann Beynon, is due to meet Mr George & local MP, Glyn Davies, in Montgomeryshire to discuss how the project commitments for Mid Wales are being delivered.
