Doubts over 99.4% broadband availability estimates in Wales

February 21, 2016

UK broadband coverage figures, when talked about, are questioned and to some degree, until each telephone line has been tested by trying to get ADSL working over it and other broadband solutions discounted, any coverage figure will remain an approximation.

The truth for areas like Wales where it appears that entire villages are incapable of getting broadband would appear to go in opposition to a figure of 99.4% for those who can get broadband in Wales. But when you calculate and comprehend that out of a population of 2,958,600 the 0.6% amounts to 17751 people, you can see the scope for clusters with no access to exist.

The subject has arisen in view of the fact that according to a PA News wire story on the Channel 4 website, the Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones of the Welsh Assembly has said that money accessible to eradicate broadband not-spots in the countryside. We trust that this will also broaden to the not-spots that can also exist in towns and cities.

Ieuan Wyn Jones, Deputy First Minister for Wales said that the Government’s intention is to ensure that adequate funding is provided to ensure that this problem is addressed. In relation to the whole of Wales the number is small, but for those people who can’t get it I understand it’s a big issue.

The figures affected may be diminutive but as websites gradually grow in size, the facility to do straightforward actions like submit meter readings or pay bills over dial-up becomes increasingly harder and both consumers and businesses are affected by being devoid of access to a practical broadband connection.

The Regional Innovative Broadband Support Scheme, which was operated by the Welsh Assembly, has a table providing details of the larger not-spot areas identified thus far. If you live in Wales and cannot get broadband or know someone who cannot, visit the Broadband Notspot Registration Wales scheme to register.