Montgomeryshire Assembly Member Mick Bates has welcomed the news that the Welsh Affairs Select Committee is undertaking a new inquiry on broadband development in Wales, following concern that Wales is being left behind other parts of the UK and beyond in the digital revolution.
The Westminster Government has recently made a significant commitment to investing in the UK’s Broadband infrastructure and developing next generation broadband and announced £830 million of public funding to finance the broadband strategy to 2017.
The Committee has agreed to undertake an inquiry into Broadband Services, which will examine:
- The current provision of broadband services in Wales;
- The UK Government’s broadband strategy, with particular regard to its potential impact on Wales;
- The case for further Next Generation Access (‘super-fast’ broadband) pilot projects based in Wales;
- The extent to which the strategy of the UK Government will complement the Welsh Assembly Government’s priorities for the future of broadband in Wales;
- Progress made towards promoting digital inclusion in Wales, including evidence of the take-up of broadband support schemes on offer;
- Progress made towards improving the provision of broadband infrastructure throughout Wales and eradicating broadband ‘notspots’; and
- Progress made towards improving mobile broadband coverage in Wales.
Commenting, Assembly Member Mick Bates stated:
“I’m really pleased that the Westminster Government understands the importance of investing in broadband infrastructure in Wales, which will help individuals and businesses access key services.
“There is serious concern that Wales is being left behind other parts of the UK in the digital revolution and I know that many people in rural areas such as Montgomeryshire have serious difficulty in gaining access to online services.
“The UK Government has announced £830million of public funding to finance the broadband strategy to 2017. I hope that this inquiry by the Welsh Affairs Committee will help ensure that this money is targeted at the areas of Wales that are in desperate need of support to build a modern broadband infrastructure and bring them online in this digital age.”
