Superfast broadband joy for Mid Wales firms

The Superfast Cymru roll out has seen 53 per cent of premises in Montgomeryshire already covered, with more on the way.

The Welsh Assembly aims to have 96 per cent of Wales covered by spring next year – and Russell George, Montgomeryshire AM, said he is determined to ensure the missing four per cent is not in Mid Wales.

Mr George met with Superfast Cymru director Ed Hunt to discuss progress.

He said: "My postbag continues to be dominated by frustrated residents and businesses asking for more clarity from BT about when they will have access to fibre broadband.

"I was therefore pleased to be able to welcome the director of the Superfast Cymru project, Ed Hunt, to a roundtable discussion for community leaders in Montgomeryshire so that we could learn more about how the project is progressing in Mid Wales.

"The meeting was productive and I was encouraged to learn that the project is on track with 53 per cent of premises in Montgomeryshire already able to receive fibre broadband, but clearly the pressure needs to be kept up.

"Eighty eight per cent of premises in both Newtown and Welshpool can already receive a superfast service and work is progressing in more rural areas too with many more areas set to benefit from fibre broadband between now and the conclusion of the project.

"It's my role to scrutinise the Welsh Government to ensure they meet their target of providing 96 per cent of premises in Wales with access to fast fibre broadband by spring of next year."

Superfast Cymru is a partnership between the Welsh Government, BT, UK Government and the European Regional Development Fund.

Mr George added: "It's good news that 96 per cent of premises in Wales will benefit from this broadband upgrade, but due to its rural makeup, I'm concerned that a high proportion of the final four per cent may be in Montgomeryshire. I'm therefore keen to ensure that these premises aren't forgotten and I would like people to be told as early as possible if they are not going to benefit from the project so that the viability of other solutions such as wireless, satellite and mobile broadband can be explored.

"As a result of some of the concerns expressed at the meeting about the way in which BT communicates with residents, BT has agreed to make improvements to its website and provide more detailed information for consumers on the projected availability of the upgraded service."