‘Inadequate’ broadband speeds

PEOPLE in Wales are being left behind due to “inadequate” broadband speeds. A report says despite improvements over the last few years, many people are still unable to access adequate internet speeds.

The report warns that there is a risk that during the cost of living crisis, superfast broadband access will become a luxury that many will not be able to afford.

The chair of the Senedd committee which looked into the issue, Llyr Gruffydd MS, said: “It is extremely disappointing to hear of many people in Wales still unable to access superfast broadband.

“Especially since the pandemic, more and more of our lives are lived online, and it’s simply unfair that many in rural areas are expected to put-up with sub-par, unreliable broadband. Everyone in Wales, not just those in urban areas, should be able to access a high-speed internet connection – this shouldn’t be a luxury.”

The Senedd’s climate change, environment and infrastructure committee found despite improvements over the last few years, many people are still unable to access adequate internet speeds. Although superfast broadband availability in Wales is now at 96%, figures from Ofcom show that take-up in Wales is only around 63%. According to Ofcom, there are an estimated 7,000 “hard to reach” locations where, even with the USO, access to a stable broadband connection wouldn’t be guaranteed.

A DCMS Spokesperson said: “We’re working with the Welsh Government to roll out Project Gigabit to even more premises and are spending a record £5 billion to make sure those hard-to-reach areas don’t miss out on faster gigabit broadband.”