Plans for Broadband Revolution Welcomed: “Now let’s see the money to back up the vision” (Monmouth Liberal Democrats)

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Monmouth Liberal Democrats <janetellard58@hotmail.com>

Plans for Broadband Revolution Welcomed: “Now let’s see the money to back up the vision”

January 29, 2009 12:00 AM
Originally published by Welsh Liberal Democrats

An announcement today by the UK Government into the future provision of telecom services has been welcomed by a leading member of the National Assembly.

Michael German AM, Liberal Democrat, who represents South Wales East at Cardiff Bay was speaking after today's publication of interim report 'Digital Britain'.

He said, "At last we have a commitment that every home, whether in a city centre or in the most remote rural community, will have the minimum service of broadband guaranteed."

The report, launched by UK Minister for Communications, Lord Carter, announced that the minimum service obligation of telecom companies to their customers will be increased to a 2Mb per second broadband service. At present the Universal Service Obligation on provides for the old-fashioned dial-up internet service at the slow speeds of 28Kb per second.

Mr. German, who has long campaigned for broadband services to be introduced in rural areas of his constituency, said that he was please at the news: "This is a boost after many years of lobbying for improvements. I know this announcement will be greeted with a cheer from many rural communities and businesses that have for too long being left behind in the digital revolution."

He added, "The huge investment that will be required is a welcome boost in the time of recession. But the Government must ensure that the money follows their words."

Phil Hobson, the Liberal Democrats Parliamentary Candidate for Monmouthshire, who work on broadband technologies in the telecoms industry, said that the new minimum service would allow the county to at last catch up with countries such as France and Portugal, "Who are busy spending the money building comprehensive broadband networks to reach every home, no matter how remote."

He said, "This new enhanced level of service by 2012 will be huge news to rural businesses giving them a level playing field on which to compete. For farmers, who traditionally face filling in form after form, will now have the guarantee of a secure and fast broadband service to cope with all their needs on-line."

He added, "Broadband technology is essential for the country to compete in the world market. The amount of investment will be a boost for the economy in the current economic downturn."