BURNHAM WELCOMES IMPROVED BROADBAND ACCESS (Eleanor Burnham )

Cymraeg
English

Eleanor Burnham <info@eburnham.org.uk>

BURNHAM WELCOMES IMPROVED BROADBAND ACCESS

January 23, 2009 10:00 AM

Speaking ahead of the publication of Lord Carter's interim report on 'Digital Britain' which is expected to be released next week, North Wales AM Eleanor Burnham has welcomed rumours that its recommendations will include a proposal to include broadband as part of the Universal Service Obligation.

Under the current USO, BT must provide 'functional internet access', interpreted as dial-up with a speed of 28.8 kilobits per second, but Lord Carter hinted at a speech to the Westminster eForum this week that the USO would be extended to cover broadband, with all parts of the industry, including mobile providers, involved in setting up a fund to pay the cost, with a target of every home in the UK to have access by 2012.

Last year, the EU Telecommunications Commissioner Viviane Reding, launched a review of the EU's Telecommunications USO, stating that it was the Commission's policy for universal broadband access to be available by 2010.

Three EU Member states currently offer universal access to broadband - Belgium, Luxembourg and Denmark, and countries such as Portugal and Australia are investing public money to expand their broadband network.

President Obama has already spoken of his intent to extend rural broadband provision to help boost the US economy.

Commenting, Welsh Lib Dem Eleanor Burnham said: "Universal access to broadband would guarantee everyone equal access to broadband regardless of where they live.

"This would give a boost to the economy in rural Wales, as the take-up of broadband is becoming an increasing necessity for many people and particularly for businesses. I am pleased that at long last universal access is on the not too distant horizon.

"For too long people and businesses in rural areas have been at a disadvantage compared to those in urban areas. The roll-out of broadband across Wales has been far too slow to stop many individuals and businesses being denied the considerable benefits of a broadband connection.

"Many areas in North Wales still do not have access to broadband through the telecom network. These are communities which are facing an increasing sense of isolation as many local services such as post offices, banks and shops are closing. The digital switchover begins this summer and I am keen to make sure that rural communities are fully included.

"There are geographical reasons why it is hard to get broadband to some parts of Wales, but the effort of countries around the world to push broadband access demonstrates its importance, and we should look at every possible opportunity to extend access."