As an avid campaigner for broadband in our rural villages, and as chair of the Assembly cross party group on Broadband, I was extremely interested to read Lord Carter’s report, ‘Digital Britain’ last week. This was the action plan to secure the UK as world leaders in innovation, investment and quality in the digital and communications industries. Hours before the publication of ‘Digital Britain’ Gordon Brown said that he intended to make Britain the ‘digital capital of the world’. To be the ‘digital capital of the world’ would mean competing with nations like South Korea and Japan where people believe that 100Mbps is just about the least they can expect from their internet connection. When the report was published we saw exactly what little vision Brown really has for our communities. His proposals were for a minimum service commitment of only 2Mbps, nowhere near enough to reach the aspiration of being world leaders, and far short of what our communities deserve.

This was a golden opportunity for the UK government to set a higher minimum standard acceptable for broadband. Labour’s lack of ambition will have detrimental consequences for our communities. Many English towns and cities will be able to get over 50 Mbps this summer, why, therefore, is only 2 Mbps deemed acceptable for our communities in Wales? Communities that are currently struggling with poor speed broadband or indeed without any broadband at all. We need to be at the forefront of this technological revolution, not just playing catch up with cities and towns in England.

If you have any further questions or enquiries or if you cannot receive broadband and would like to register with the Assembly RIBS scheme you’re welcome to phone the office on 01267 234 467.