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Question from: County Councillor Iain McIntosh Subject: Internet Connectivity in Powys
Question: During the pandemic period, many people have had to start working from home and during this time, Welsh residents have had to rely on their internet connection to be able to carry out their work commitments. Many have unfortunately fallen behind due to poor connectivity with some unable to work from home at all. This continues to isolate residents in rural areas, stifle business growth and prevent economic development.
It has been reported today that UK Government ministers are calling on councils to help deliver digital connectivity ambitions across the UK. - https://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/articles/councils-have-play-vital-role-superfast-broadband-and-5g-rollout?utm_source=Public%20Sector%20Executive&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=11781755_Newsletter%20Aug%2027th%2020&dm_i=IJU,70IUZ,RIR0BG,S9Y1K,1 – I have written to the Welsh Government today asking them whether or not they will be doing the same, by calling upon Welsh local authorities to help too.
Can you confirm if Powys County Council will, with or without the guidance of the Welsh Government, help to accelerate the roll out of improved gigabit (1000Mbps) internet connectivity and 5G coverage throughout Powys? Minutes: Response by the Portfolio Holder:
Supporting improved digital connectivity and exploiting the benefits of digital technology in Powys is a priority of the Council. Digital connectivity is an essential part of modern life, influencing how individuals work, communicate and access services and is vital to enable a thriving economy.
At a regional level, improving digital connectivity is a priority of the new Vision for Growing Mid Wales economic strategy and is expected to have a central role in the Mid Wales Growth Deal. Investment in digital infrastructure and supporting the adoption and exploitation of next generation digital technologies like 5G will be critical to improving productivity, capitalising on innovation and becoming more competitive as a region.
While Powys has seen improvements in digital infrastructure coverage over recent years, deployment of high-speed broadband, fibre to premises provision and mobile coverage in many parts of the county still lags significantly behind that of Wales and the UK. The remote rural nature of the county, its geography, commercial viability and the nature of technologies means that ‘not spots’ are prevalent particularly in more isolated locations.
Currently approximately 83% of premises in Powys have the capability to connect to Superfast Broadband (30Mbps+), lower than that for Wales (95.5%) and the UK (96.5%). Only 20% of the county currently has access to Ultrafast Broadband (100mbps+) compared to Wales (40%) and the UK (62.5%). Powys has over 10,000 premises which are currently unable to receive superfast broadband (30Mbps) or where there are no plans to provide such service in the next 3 years, the highest of any local authority in Wales.
Co-ordinated action and investment in digital infrastructure by the public and private sector are required to improve digital connectivity and overcome these challenges. The Council is currently engaging with both UK and the Welsh Governments, private sector suppliers and communities to help improve digital connectivity and secure future investment in digital infrastructure across Powys. Responsibility for telecommunications lies with the UK Government, it is not devolved to Welsh Government. The Welsh Government undertakes digital connectivity initiatives under economic development powers. A joined-up approach with all stakeholders is essential to maximise the benefit to Powys communities and businesses.
Last year the Council published its Digital Strategy which sets out its vision for digital transformation and connectivity: https://en.powys.gov.uk/article/8236/Read-our-Digital-Strategy---its-interactive. The strategy’s digital places objective aims to increase the number of communities supported through advice and assistance regarding community broadband solutions. A new post of Community Broadband Officer is currently being recruited to provide a dedicated resource to support this work.
The Council is a member of the Welsh Government’s Broadband Working Group and is actively engaged in work and discussions to improve digital connectivity both in Powys and Mid Wales, including fast fibre broadband build in partnership with Openreach. Officers are engaging with communities and suppliers on broadband issues across Powys. Welsh Government is now topping up the UK Government’s Rural Gigabit Connectivity Voucher. This means that the maximum funding available has recently doubled and is now ... view the full minutes text for item 1. |