AM welcomes news of funding to improve broadband connection in Wales

NEIL Hamilton, AM for Mid & West Wales and Leader of UKIP Wales, has welcomed news of more funds to improve broadband for constituents in his Region.
Mr Hamilton, a member of the Senedd’s Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs committee, was commenting after it was announced that Pembrokeshire County Council has received £4m from the Local Full Fibre Networks (LFFN) Challenge Fund in Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s first Budget.
Mr Hamilton, who continually raises poor broadband speeds and mobile signals for his constituents in Mid & West Wales, in the Senedd, said:

“I welcome this extra funding which should certainly help people in the county enjoy improved internet connection.

“In a world which relies heavily on using the web, it is vital our rural communities have better connectivity so that everyone can enjoy decent broadband speeds. The kind of snail speeds which some have to endure are simply unacceptable in 2020.

“I have constantly called for improvements as I know many people, in particular our farmers, are being let down and held back from maximising their business opportunities.

“I just hope this will bring some relief to those who are trying to run a business in these worst affected areas, and to householders who struggle to get a connection.”

Pembrokeshire has received a £4million Budget broadband boost to help the county enjoy life in the internet fast lane. This will add to £2m already committed by Cabinet towards improving digital connectivity.
Paul Miller, Cabinet Member for Economy, said: “Improving digital connectivity is a key focus of our economic development strategy and the team and I have been working hard to make sure Pembrokeshire is further forward when it comes to the investment queue.
“A huge amount went into the LFFN bid and our success is testament to the great work being done by the Digital Infrastructure team.”
“This is only part of a series of major investments planned to ensure homes and business in all parts of Pembrokeshire have direct access to full fibre broadband and the speeds and reliability that come with that.”
Plans being developed include connecting a large number of public sector buildings – such as GP surgeries, libraries, leisure centres – to full fibre broadband.
Cllr Miller added: “I recognise that we’re never going to be the best connected county when it comes to road and rail but we do have the ambition to be among the very best connected digitally. That digital connectivity is key to the future prosperity of the county.
“I’m determined to make things happen for our County and the Budget announcement means we’ll be laying brand new fibre cables in Pembrokeshire before the end of the year.”