MP calls for greater provision of Broadband in Mid Wales

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 1st Jul 2008

Roger Williams, Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon and Radnorshire, today called for greater provision of Broadband across Mid Wales.

Commenting, Roger Williams said:

"I receive at least one enquiry every week from a constituent who is unable to access a Broadband service. Many residents in Brecon and Radnorshire face difficulties accessing a Broadband service and this is totally unacceptable in an age when good quality electronic communication is becoming more essential, not only to every day life but for running businesses. This is especially true in rural areas".

"I understand that the Welsh Assembly Government is working closely with BT to try to alleviate the problem of poor broadband coverage. However when one of my constituents was quoted £15,000 to get Broadband installed and another in the Beulah area has been waiting for nearly two years to get a Broadband service I feel that this is completely outrageous.

"There are over forty residents in the village of Beulah who would like to access Broadband but are unable to due to the cost of updating lines and equipment in the area, which BT say would include 'extensive civil engineering work'.

"I have written to BT and the Deputy First Minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones AM, to ask that they do all in their powers to ensure that the additional funding required to install the new cable infrastructure is made available as soon as possible. We must ensure that rural Mid Wales is not left behind in this ever changing electronic revolution".