END OF DIGITAL DIVIDE?

WALES is to benefit from universal high-speed broadband in a UK Government commitment. The UK Government launched a consultation today outlining proposals for how a new “right to request a connection” would work in practice.

BT has put forward an offer to voluntarily provide this service, after the UK government committed to introduce a Universal Service Obligation (USO) to give every home and business the right to request a high speed connection of at least 10Mbps.

The announcement comes days after MPs demanded that families who do not receive internet speeds they pay for should get compensation.

Six of the 20 constituencies with the slowest download speeds in the UK are in Wales, with Carmarthen East and Dinefwr in top position.

Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said: “The UK Government is committed to ensuring the UK is leading the way in broadband provision.

“The Government will now consider the proposals carefully to ensure the final decision provides the best outcomes for the people of Wales.”

More than 50 MPs from across the party divides are pressing for action, amid concern that nearly seven million connections may not deliver the proposed minimum standard.

The British Infrastructure Group of MPs launched a hard-hitting report – “Broadbad 2.0” – which warns that 6.7 million broadband connections may not receive download speeds above the UK Government’s proposed minimum of 10Mbps.

Dwyfor Meirionnydd Plaid Cymru MP Liz Saville Roberts said: “Far too many people across Wales are unable to access what Ofcom recognises as the speed required for basic tasks such as web browsing, streaming and video calling, and this digital divide undoubtedly contributes to the wider economic divide.”

The UK Government will now work with BT over the coming months to develop the proposal.