The development of broadband infrastructure is now recognised as a key enabler for economic and social improvement for communities. The Broadband Wales Programme, and specifically the Public Sector Broadband Aggregation project, has been implemented to underpin the delivery of improved and more accessible public services in Wales.
Recent technological advances and planned infrastructure programmes announced by the major communications providers reflect the ever-improving delivery of broadband capacity and services. Roll-out of these advancements will respond to commercial forces from the population centres and major businesses based around the urban centres of Wales.
However, there are increasing concerns that the rural communities of Wales are being left further behind in the provision of broadband infrastructure and associated services with potential impact on the economic and social wellbeing of communities.
As a result of the deliberations of members of the WLGA Rural Forum the “Broadband in Rural Wales” report has been produced to identify and evidence the impacts on rural communities of the perceived widening of the broadband gap brought about by the absence of access to current and “next generation” broadband services.
As the UK government sets about developing its “Digital Britain” action plan the publication of this report is timely in supporting further debate and the determination of future policy and practice for the delivery of a network infrastructure in Wales capable of meeting the current and future needs of citizens, businesses and communities.
For more information contact: Paul Charkiw