"Access to broadband must be improved"

1.17.02pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 1st Feb 2007

Welsh Liberal Democrat AM for Brecon and Radnorshire, Kirsty Williams, has called on the First Minister to do more to help those in rural areas access broadband internet.

There are 64 "not-spots" across Brecon and Radnorshire, where broadband is still unavailable.

Ms Williams said: "The Assembly Government has spent a lot of money paying BT to enable rural exchanges, something I feel the company should have been doing in the first place. Despite this investment of taxpayer's money, however, many of my constituents still experience great difficulty in obtaining high speed internet. This is not only inconvenient for individuals, but has a serious and negative impact on the constituency's economic fortunes, reinforcing the idea that Mid Wales is a no-go area for businesses to locate. I will continue to press the Assembly Government and BT to improve the situation, and ensure that those in rural areas are not denied the benefits of technological advances."

Notes:

Ms Williams put her question to First Minister Rhodri Morgan during question time at the Assembly on Tuesday. A full transcript of this, and all other, plenary sessions can be found at the National Assembly for Wales website (www.wales.gov.uk).