A Mid Wales Assembly Member has welcomed initial conclusions from Ofcom’s Strategic Review of Digital Communications.
Commenting on the publication by the telecoms regulator, Ofcom, the Assembly Member for Montgomeryshire and Chairman of the National Assembly’s Cross Party Group on Digital Communications, Russell George AM said:
"Having tirelessly campaigned for better broadband and mobile coverage for Mid Wales, I am pleased that Ofcom has made a commitment to make affordable broadband a universal right for all UK homes and small businesses.
“Ofcom’s report highlights what people across Montgomeryshire tell me all the time - the vital importance of being able to access a reliable and efficient internet connection.
“Whether connecting with family and friends, helping children study from home or advertising a local business, digital connectivity is now critical to our day-to-day lives; and provision should not be a postcode lottery.
"By opening up cable networks and allowing competition, great strides can be made to tackle rural isolation and provide critical connectivity to all parts of Wales.
"Whilst hugely welcoming Ofcom's work with the UK Government, the Welsh Government must play its part. From reforming the planning system for telecommunications, better promoting Superfast Cymru connections and supporting infrastructure investment, Welsh Conservatives remain committed to delivering universal broadband and mobile coverage across rural Wales.”
Russell also held a short debate on mobile coverage in Mid Wales on Wednesday. A full transcript can be found here.
The announcement from Ofcom can be found here.