AMs call for fresh thinking to get all of Wales linked up to broadband

ASSEMBLY Members have called on the Welsh Government to think up fresh ways to connect the last 4% of Wales without broadband access.

And they have urged regulator Ofcom to do everything possible to help tackle the nation’s notorious remaining mobile phone “not-spots”.

Last year it emerged that parts of Wales have worse mobile phone reception than outer space. Astronauts like Tim Peake have long been able to tweet images of Northern Lights from the International Space Station, even though down on Earth parts of Wales struggle to get a 3G signal, or even a mobile phone signal at all.

Now a new Assembly Committee report suggests introducing new ways of tackling the issue – such as making future subsidies to landowners conditional on them allowing mobile phone masts on their land, according to a National Assembly Committee.

The Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee paper, published today, asks the Welsh Government to consider reforming the planning regime to improve mobile phone coverage.

Other recommendations from the report include establishing a repayable grant or equity scheme to allow small operators to fill broadband gaps, and involving communities without broadband in the process of finding a solution.

It said regulator Ofcom needs to use all its powers to meet its target of 100% mobile coverage, which should be a condition of future auctions of the right to transmit.

Russell George AM, chairman of the committee, said: “Connectivity is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’ in our daily lives.

“For many people and businesses we spoke to during our inquiry it’s now considered an essential service – like electricity.

“Wales’ landscape and population spread pose challenges in a world where market forces determine broadband and mobile phone coverage.

“Our recommendations will help Wales to develop a digital infrastructure which is as fast and as reliable as other parts of the UK, and is fit for the future. Filling in the gaps so that everyone can receive a good service is the minimum requirement.”