BROADBAND RUMOURS GIVE HOPE TO RURAL WALES - WILLIAMS

11.56.15am GMT Thu 22nd Jan 2009

Speaking ahead of the publication of Lord Carter's interim report on 'Digital Britain' which is expected to be released next week, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Wales Roger Williams MP has welcomed rumours that it's recommendations will include a proposal to include broadband as part of the Universal Service Obligation.

Under the current USO, BT must provide 'functional internet access', interpreted as dial-up with a speed of 28.8 kilobits per second, but Lord Carter hinted at a speech to the Westminster eForum this week that the USO would be extended to cover broadband, with all parts of the industry, including mobile providers, involved in setting up a fund to pay the cost, with a target of every home in the UK to have access by 2012.

Last year, the EU Telecommunications Commissioner Viviane Reding, launched a review of the EU's Telecommunications USO, stating that it was the Commission's policy for universal broadband access to be available by 2010.

Three EU Member states currently offer universal access to broadband - Belgium, Luxembourg and Denmark, and countries such as Portugal and Australia are investing public money to expand their broadband network. President Obama has already spoken of his intent to extend rural broadband provision to help boost the US economy.

Commenting, Roger Williams said:

"Many people in Wales still don't have access to broadband, despite the efforts of the Assembly and BT to extend provision.

"There has been a gradual improvement in access, but this has been far too slow to stop many individuals and businesses being denied the considerable benefits of a broadband connection. Universal access would give a boost to the economy in rural Wales.

"At the moment, many miss out because they live in an area which is technically difficult to connect to the network, but broadband can help these communities to thrive."

On the rumoured plans to set up an industry-wide fund, Roger added:

"All we want is a proposal that works for the people of Wales and if this is the solution, then it is very welcome.

"I understand that BT are keen for other members of the industry to be involved in the delivery of the USO, and if this produces a better and fairer way of providing access I am all for it, but we must not allow arguments about company's responsibilities to delay work.

"There are geographical reasons why it is hard to get broadband to some parts of Wales, but the effort of countries around the world to push broadband access demonstrates its importance, and we should look at every possible opportunity to extend access."