Pilot scheme to boost connectivity across Wales

Julie James, Welsh minister for digital infrastructure, has revealed that research has been commissioned on the most effective measures to guarantee that new homes and businesses in rural communities in Wales are connected to broadband.

According to Ms James, the government hopes that up to 88,000 properties will be connected by FTTC or FTTP under the £80 million scheme, which is specifically targeting areas around Powys and Ceredigion. It is hoped that this will increase coverage of superfast broadband, which is currently only available in around 94 per cent of domestic and commercial premises in Wales.

Speaking at the Welsh Assembly, Ms James revealed that a number of firms have already been invited to bid for three new contracts, each of which will be responsible for a boosting reach of superfast broadband across the country and specifically in rural areas.

However, the Welsh minister also confirmed that voucher schemes, currently set up to help individuals and companies to boost their connection speeds, will also continue to ensure those awaiting support are not left without effective broadband.

For those not expected to be covered by the new contracts, Ms James stated that an outreach team will be in contact to discuss their options.

Commenting on the plans, Conservative assembly member Darren Millar suggested that the government should also look at permitted development rights to ensure that those who might need a mobile solution to their connectivity needs gain access to one.

He added: "I think we need to be forcing operators to share masts, and in addition to that we need to raise the potential heights of masts that can go ahead without permitted development rights here in Wales, which are obviously much lower than they are in other parts of the UK at the moment."