“Broadband for All” Hint Welcomed: “Superfast internet connections to every home essential” (Gwynedd Liberal Democrats)

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Gwynedd Liberal Democrats <anne@wyddfa.com>

“Broadband for All” Hint Welcomed: “Superfast internet connections to every home essential”

January 23, 2009 12:00 AM
Originally published by Welsh Liberal Democrats

Ahead of the publication of a UK Government interim report "Digital Britain", a senior member of the National Assembly for Wales has welcomed hints that will mean every home will get superfast broadband as standard.

Michael German AM was speaking as speculation increases that a major change to the Universal Service Obligation (USO) is due. The USO, a part of the operating licence of some telecoms companies in the UK, will be changed to ensure that the current obligation to provide the old, slow, dial-up speed will be upgraded to cover superfast broadband speeds as standard.

This follows a speech made this week by the UK Minister for Communications, Lord Carter.[1]

For the first time, the USO, would be expanded to include all telecoms providers, both fixed-line and mobile, other than just BT.

Mr. German has a long history of campaigning for broadband access for communities in his South Wales East constituency. "It's remarkable to think that just five years ago I was involved in campaigning to get small rural exchanges upgraded for broadband in areas like Dingestow near Monmouth, then later on lobbying telecom providers to reverse their refusal to provide broadband for countryside residents."

Commenting on the news that all homes could soon be able to expect a new higher standard of service, the South East Wales Assembly Member said: "If the hints are correct then it's great news for Wales.

"It is essential for us to catch up with other European countries such as Portugal where we see a huge investment being made to stay ahead of the game. We've just seen President Obama speaking of his intent to extend rural broadband provision to help boost the US economy."

Mr. German added, "For our economy to remain competitive, especially in rural areas, then reliable, superfast broadband, as standard, must be made a reality. I am please to see that all telecoms companies will pay into a special fund to realise this aim."

Mr. German added that is was essential to meet the demand and not get left behind other countries: "This sort of investment will have major spin-offs and will become a building block to allow the new green economy to start developing."