Inquiry launched into broadband provision in Wales

Review follows concern that Wales is being left behind other parts of the UK

An inquiry has been launched by the Welsh Affairs Committee (WAC) to look into whether or not Wales is falling behind the rest of the UK in terms of broadband rollout.

The news comes after the Welsh Assembly government announced its digital strategy for Wales in December last year, which aims to see all businesses connected to superfast broadband by 2016, and all households by 2020.

There has been a general feeling since the UK government announced its broadband strategy, which saw £830m made available to support rollout up until 2017, that not enough money has been allocated to Wales.

This has been voiced in particular by Ian Lucas, shadow business minister and MP for Wrexham.

Announcing the inquiry, the WAC said in a statement:

"Increasingly, reliable internet access is seen as a driver of economic performance and is vital for business, education and people living alone or in isolated areas.

"There is, however, some concern that Wales is being left behind other parts of the UK and beyond in the digital revolution, with reports of serious difficulties experienced by some people living in rural areas in gaining access to broadband services."

The committee undertaking the inquiry will look into the following:

• The current provision of broadband services in Wales

• The UK government's broadband strategy, with particular regard to its potential impact on Wales

• The case for further Next Generation Access (superfast broadband) pilot projects based in Wales

• The extent to which the UK government's strategy will complement the Welsh Assembly government's priorities for the future of broadband in Wales

• Progress made towards promoting digital inclusion in Wales, including evidence of the uptake of broadband support schemes on offer

• Progress made towards improving the provision of broadband infrastructure throughout Wales and eradicating so-called broadband "not-spots"; and

• Progress made towards improving mobile broadband coverage in Wales

The committee has asked for written submissions on these issues by 3 May 2011.