Burnham: Government must not be narrow-minded over broadband solutions (Eleanor Burnham )

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Eleanor Burnham <info@eburnham.org.uk>

Burnham: Government must not be narrow-minded over broadband solutions

April 23, 2009 8:10 PM

Eleanor Burnham, Assembly Member for North Wales has vowed to continue the campaign for super-fast broadband in rural areas, following comments from Lord Carter that many rural communities may miss out on next generation broadband services. Eleanor is calling on the Government to consider more innovative solutions to meet the challenge of delivering broadband to rural areas and states Wales must fight for a fair share of funding announced for broadband investment.

In an interview Lord Carter, author of 'Digital Britain', stated there will 'certainly be 25% to 30% of the country where there will be no economic case for building a next-generation fixed network' and claimed that the telecoms industry would be unlikely to fund the infrastructure needed to roll-out broadband to all rural areas.

Commenting Eleanor, Welsh Lib Dem Shadow Minister for Culture said,

"It is unacceptable that many communities in Wales have been penalised for their rurality and have been left behind by the digital revolution. Social and economic deprivation is growing because people cannot access an internet connection and are unable to take advantage of the services and offers that are available online.

"In a time of recession broadband is a vital tool for businesses, enabling them to compete in local, national and global markets, particularly in rural areas where many must rely on online sales and advertising.

"The infrastructure needed to deliver broadband to some parts of Wales will require substantial investment, but this is no excuse for failing to meet expectations. The Government must not overlook new technologies such as mobile and satellite which can offer an affordable and reliable solution to the challenge of delivering broadband to more rural areas.

"It is crucial that we take action now to tackle the remaining not-spots across Wales with the best technology available. Wales must fight for a share of funding for broadband announced under the budget, based on need rather than population, to ensure the roll out of universal access by 2012 to the most difficult and rural areas across Wales."