WALES MUST GET FAIR SHARE OF BROADBAND FUND - WILLIAMS

10.41.30am GMT Mon 2nd Feb 2009

Commenting on the publication of Lord Carter's interim report on 'Digital Britain', which recommends that a 2Mb/s universal access provision to broadband should be in place by 2012, possibly through an industry-wide fund, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Wales Roger Williams MP said:

"The news that universal access to broadband by 2012 has been put forward will certainly be welcomed by many in Wales, with many in rural areas struggling to get connected.

"I hope that the Government will react swiftly to implement these proposals and put in place a framework for the whole of the UK.

"Once the UK Government have decided a way forward, the Welsh Assembly Government should seek assurances that Wales will be given the tools it needs to deliver this pledge.

"Past experience suggests that Wales has a higher proportion of people who can't get access to broadband - any fund, industry or otherwise, must give Wales a share based on need rather than population."