Politicians meeting BT in bid to boost Mid Wales broadband

Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies and Russell George, the region's AM, will meet with Ann Beynon, BT Director Wales, in Newtown, to discuss how the company is working on better provision.

Mr Davies said it is vital that the area is given a better to service to help businesses thrive.

BT is currently laying fibre in several communities in the area, including around Newtown and Welshpool but Mr George and Mr Davies want assurances that all communities in Montgomeryshire will have access to high speed broadband.

The two men say they will ask Miss Beynon what can be done to allow "not spots" in rural areas get access to broadband.

Mr George said: "It's important for everyone in Montgomeryshire and rural Wales to have access to good, high speed broadband. Broadband access is now a major factor in our lives whether we like it or not, with services such as banking and utility companies using it to access services, or simply for people to communicate with friends and family.

"We must ensure all of our communities can access broadband and some of the important services it brings with it."

The duo also welcomed an announcement from Welshpool-based broadband firm Xwavia, which is creating 10 jobs as part of an expansion following a £1.2 million funding grant from Finance Wales.

Mr George said: "The creation of skilled engineering and technical jobs is to be welcomed, providing good employment opportunities in the area."

Mr Davies also welcomed Xwavia's expansion, saying it provided another method for people to access broadband along with other wireless broadband companies in the area.

He said: "When we meet with Ann Beynon we will want to know that areas where fibre or copper wire broadband delivery is difficult or slow they will be making arrangements to work with other companies to deliver technology such as wireless.

"Xwavia is one company championing this and with others we believe BT can provide a Montgomeryshire-wide broadband network for all."