Wales broadband pioneer Annette Burgess (right) has hit out at the doom-mongers who say Wales will forever be a broadband backwater.
As the Welsh Affairs Committee (WAC) launches an inquiry into the rollout of broadband services to business and homes, Annette, managing director of Welshpool-based company exwavia, said: “Wales already has many leading edge hi-tech companies like ourselves. People should realise that we have all the relevant technology right here in Wales but we have to work together to shape our own digital future.
“But we need to act now and we need to act fast. Having reliable and consistent broadband access is considered to be the 5th utility.”
Annette said she acknowledged the findings of a Wales online survey which revealed low connection speeds and widespread dissatisfaction with many providers but is convinced Welsh Internet companies will ultimately provide the answers and the technology to match, including Next Generation broadband.
“I want more people to talk to me, to understand the importance of a faster, reliable broadband provision. There has got to be a big national push because there are still many rural parts of Wales, which are really suffering. Progress is being made but it’s just not happening fast enough. People need to buy into this so even more investment can be made by companies like us.”
Annette has also welcomed the backing for the government inquiry by Assembly member Veronica German, local Montgomery MP Glyn Davies, and Brecon and Radnorshire MP Roger Williams.
She is also inviting Plaid Cymru’s Deputy Housing Minister Jocelyn Davies to a meeting to discuss in detail the party’s plans for major wi-fi and broadband improvements across the country – one of the four key pledges in their election campaign.
Based near Revel, Welshpool, exwavia are fast becoming one of the key players in the Welsh IT landscape.
“We have been working closely with the Government to help people access community grants for broadband in rural areas including Anglesey, the Vale of Clwyd and the Brecon Beacons”, said Annette. “We have also been working with BT in their campaign to increase their footprint in Wales and companies such as Gwent-based IT services company Tewdric and FibreSpeed, whose infrastructure in North Wales we use to help complete that final wireless link.
“I will go wherever I need to help the people of Wales, but we must stop being so negative. We should be masters of our own destiny here because Wales has some superb companies who really can deliver proper connectivity.”
She said the issue was not just about super speeds and superfast broadband, it was more about providing a robust, consistent and inexpensive service along with a commitment to developing next generation services, particularly for the more remote communities.
For further details of exwavia contact Annette directly on 0844 884 8588.