The wait for superfast broadband

Many residents in north Powys will have to wait even longer for superfast broadband after it emerged there is a delay on the second phase of the scheme.

The first phase ended in December 2017 and a second to install fibre in communities, homes and businesses in the area and others in Wales was supposed to have been awarded to a bidder last month.

But now it has emerged delays mean it will not get underway for some time due to “complexities”.

Montgomeryshire AM and Shadow Cabinet Secretary for the Economy and Infrastructure, Russell George wrote to the Welsh Government in an effort to understand the reasons behind the delays to the implementation of phase two which is to be underpinned by £80 million of public money and was supposed to be awarded to the successful bidder at the end of July 2018.

Responding to the Montgomeryshire AM’s letter enquiring about the delays, the Minister with responsibility for broadband, Julie James AM, said that “work on the procurement exercise for the successor project has been complex with a number of unforeseen issues arising during the process.”

After requesting more information on the “complexities” and “unforeseen issues” to which the Minister referred, Mr George was told that “due to commercial confidentiality, I am unable to update you on the specific complexities and issues that have occurred.”

The scheme is designed to extend the availability of superfast broadband to those premises not covered under either the original Superfast Cymru scheme or the commercial roll-outs of telecommunications companies in the next three years. It will also encourage solutions for businesses, rural areas and those with lower 4G mobile data coverage.

Responding, Mr George said: “The second phase of the Superfast Cymru project is due to be underpinned by £80 million of taxpayers’ money so the excuse of “commercial confidentiality” is just not good enough.

“This worrying lack of transparency on behalf of the Welsh Government is totally unacceptable when people in rural areas of Wales are still waiting for the high-speed broadband which is currently enjoyed by their urban neighbours.

“As a result, the digital divide is widening, not narrowing, and many people are justifiably feeling left in the lurch.

“Phase 1 of the Superfast Cymru scheme finished in February and there are thousands of premises which remain stranded. The question has to be asked as to why the Welsh Government didn’t ensure that there was a seamless transition from phase 1 to phase 2 of the scheme.

“There has now been a six-month hiatus between the two phases of the Superfast Cymru project and with very little detail on when the next contract will be awarded, not alone implemented, this is nothing short of a shambles and I will be looking for immediate answers from the Welsh Government as soon as the Assembly returns in September.”

In response, the Minister said: “Whilst appreciating your interest in the delays surrounding the successor scheme, I am afraid that, due to commercial confidentiality, I am unable to update you on the specific complexities and issues that have occurred.

“It is imperative we fully adhere to the process. Once the process has concluded I intend to make a statement to update members.”