The Welsh Government has today extended eligibility for its Broadband Support Scheme (BSS) to include those with access to speeds of up to 2Mbps.
Residents and businesses in Wales can apply for grants of up to £1,000 to invest in alternative technology for faster broadband in ‘slowspots’ or to bring connectivity to ‘notspots’, areas not covered by telecoms companies.
“It is vital that everyone across Wales has access to basic broadband,” she said.
“By extending the criteria for the BSS we can make sure that more people can access broadband and take advantage of the opportunities provided by digital technologies.”
Under the scheme communities can also apply to pool their grants together into a larger investment for more substantial connection projects.
The scheme was originally launched last year with a £2m pot of money to bring broadband to areas with download speeds of less than 512Kbps.
So far 800 applications worth £600,000 have been approved for businesses and households under the technology neutral scheme, which leaves applicants free to investigate the most appropriate solutions.
Hywel Williams, Chairman of Wales Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA) said consumers now “expect services that are far faster”. In the past, 0.5Mbpsmight have been adequate, but now customers expect around 2Mbps, he said.
“We welcome the announcement this morning by the Welsh Government regarding the increase in the threshold (to 2Mbps) where communities or individuals can qualify for this subsidy.
The BSS is a complementary scheme for the wider Regional Innovative Broadband Scheme, a joint initiative with BT that the Welsh government says has so far got 8,500 Welsh premises online since 2006.
Acces to broadband in rural areas has benn a challeneg for a number of years. Last year a woman from the rural Welsh village of Salem near Llandeilo was reportedly quoted £150,000 by BT for broadband installation.
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Today's announcement from Edwina Hart, to extend the Broadband Support Scheme and to increase the qualifying threshold to 2Mbps is a completely wasted opportunity.
Broadband should be more than just getting people a connection, it is about empowerment.
I believe that the failure of the Welsh Government to take the opportunity to increase the minimum required delivery to at least the national average (6.2Mbps - Ofcom) is another example of how the Welsh Government are missing the point when it comes to enabling the future of Wales.
The EU are underwriting much of the money that is being used to fund the Broadband Support Scheme, and we have an opportunity to create a world leading digital nation. Why would we back away from that? Why wouldn't we grasp the opportunity to set our nation apart?
Mrs Hart declared today that:
"...It is vital that everyone across Wales has access to basic broadband.."
Which demonstrates the total absence of ambition in Government policy. Access to basic broadband isn't what should be the aspiration of a Government who is seeking to
enable an economy.
We had an opportunity to declare a bright future for Wales - instead we seem to be content to pick up the scraps. All the way across the Press this morning there are comments from those who want to curry favour with Mrs Hart's department, claiming that this is fantastic news and how good it will be for Wales.
I'm not afraid to say that I am ashamed by the total lack of ambition