BROADBAND EXTENSION MUST NOT LEAD TO NEW GAP - WILLIAMS

9.23.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 17th Jun 2009

Commenting on the Government's Digital Britain Report Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Wales Roger Williams MP said:

"Access to broadband is now rightly being considered as essential, and not a luxury, and the Government's commitment on broadband provision is a welcome first step.

"The fixed line levy is probably necessary to help fund this commitment, but the Government must consider exemptions for pensioners and other vulnerable groups.

"There remains a concern that the broadband gap that currently exists will be repeated with a super-fast broadband gap between urban and rural areas, so its really important that the Government ensure that where provision is provided, the fastest possible connection is put in place.

"The Government must ensure that Wales is given the best connection available so that we are not left playing catch-up again when faster broadband becomes the norm."