With so many now working from home, access to better broadband and phone signal has never been more important. For businesses to grow and jobs to be created in Brecon and Radnorshire, good communication is a must. Consequently, one of Fay Jones MP's earliest priorities has been to work closely with BT and Openreach to ensure there is a levelling up on digital connectivity in Brecon and Radnorshire.
Data released from the House of Commons Library has confirmed what many already knew, Wales has the worst average broadband speeds in the UK and is bottom of the pile when it comes to broadband connectivity and mobile phone signal.
The UK Government’s policy is to support the roll-out of superfast broadband to those areas not already reached by private investment. To do so, the UK Government has been providing funding to the Welsh Government through the superfast broadband programme. Currently 76.4% of premises in Brecon and Radnorshire have access to superfast broadband.
Since March 2020 all Brecon and Radnorshire constituents who cannot get an download speed of 10Mb and an upload speed of 1Mb, have the legal right to request a decent, affordable broadband connection from BT under their new ‘Universal Service Obligation’ (USO) for Broadband. This is a safety net for those who currently struggle to get online because they cannot access a fast connection. In the first steps BT will be writing to those constituents recognised as eligible for upgraded broadband.
Mobile signal is also critical for Brecon and Radnorshire. Miss Jones reminded the Prime Minister during Prime Minister's Question’s prior to the budget in March, that the £1 billion Shared Rural Network deal to boost 4G right across the United Kingdom must include Mid Wales. This deal will ensure that the many “not-spots” in the constituency are going to become a thing of the past. This will be a relief for many residents in Brecon and Radnorshire, particularly those in the Teme Valley – one of the largest rural not-spots in the constituency.
With the UK Government planning further sites in Wales under the Extended Service Programme, Wales is going to be a large beneficiary of the Home Office’s Emergency Service Network providing 4G mast for areas where there is currently no 4G available.
Miss Jones said:
"Ways of working have dramatically changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. More of us are reliant on good digital connectivity than ever before, to carry out our jobs from the safety of our home.
"The UK Government has shown a strong commitment to levelling up broadband speeds and mobile coverage across the UK. With the introduction of the Universal Service Obligation and the Shared Rural Network, I am working hard to ensure that Brecon and Radnorshire will benefit.
"My constituents who are eligible for Universal Service Obligation will be written to, but there are other options available as well. Please do get in touch with my office and we assist you in exploring your options."