Those living in broadband “notspots” in Wales are to receive grants to help them receive basic broadband connections.
The new initiative has been launched by the Welsh Government and is called the “Broadband Support Scheme” and has £2 million put into it to help fund broadband to areas where there is still no basic broadband available.
Each application for a premises where they don’t receive even basic broadband will have £1,000 made available to them to help fund getting connected to a broadband connection.
Wyn Jones, the Deputy First Minister said:
“Broadband services are vital to ensure our country can develop the knowledge economy, improving the ability of businesses and individuals to network and innovate.“
This support is welcome. However, giving £1000 to individual residents or businesses to throw at the incumbent supplier is unlikely to fix the underlying problem in rural areas unless the funding is pooled to provide a long-term solution for each community. It is the infrastructure that needs to be improved (i.e. fibre to the cabinet and in some cases upgrading the exchange) and this requires planned capital investment. As things stand this looks increasingly likely to fall on the shoulders of the local community.
Comment by Rob Symberlist — July 5, 2010 @ 4:15 pm
Good point Rob. I guess it also puts stories like this one http://www.broadbandwatchdog.co.uk/story/2010/05/27/bt-want-150000-to-install-broadband-for-a-pensioner/ back into focus where £1,000 would not come close to covering the bill required!
Comment by Mark — July 6, 2010 @ 9:20 am