4:58pm Friday 29th January 2010
By Nerys Evans
The Economic Development Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones stated recently that the Welsh Government plans to use European funding to improve high-speed broadband coverage for businesses and communities. This decision has been made following an agreement with the European Commission which now means that in addition to supporting Information and Communication Technology (ICT) activities such as digital inclusion, European funds can now be used to help improve broadband access for those living in broadband ‘not spots’ in rural and isolated parts of Wales.
This announcement is great news for the many people who can't currently get broadband across Pembrokeshire. I've been working with many communities across the county over the last couple of years and I will be meeting with the Economic Development Minister to discuss how villages, individuals and business in Pembrokeshire can take advantage of these European funds to get broadband. In the 21st Century it’s vital that people in all parts of Wales gain access to a high-speed internet service, and it is essential that businesses are fully equipped with the right ICT infrastructure to compete successfully in a global market. A lack of broadband is a huge problem for rural businesses for example who suffer by comparison to urban-based businesses. It is possible that a business may choose to invest elsewhere which means rural communities suffer economically. Secondly, rural areas may not be able to receive commercial and public services via broadband, which means people are being socially excluded as a result of their geographical position.
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