Broadband campaign “vital”

 

Businesses in Montgomeryshire believe poor broadband speeds and connectivity will stifle their ability to invest, expand and create new employment, it is claimed.

 

A campaign for better broadband claims that nine out of 10 businesses use the internet but are stifled by poor and unreliable speeds.

 

The Monty Broadband - ‘Speed Up Our Broadband in Montgomeryshire’ campaign (www.montybroadband.com) is calling for a district-wide broadband speed test on August 18-19.

 

“Good broadband isn’t just something businesses would like, it is something they need,” said John Brunt, Senior Networks Manager of manufacturing business group MWMG. It has over 150 members throughout Mid Wales and internet connectivity is always high on the agenda for them.

 

“It’s not just about e-mails and sending files. For many businesses they are simply unable to trade over the internet like many of their competitors in more urban areas, or they cannot investment in new technology that has to use large amounts of data over the internet,” added Mr Brunt.

 

“We’re backing the ‘Speed Up Our Broadband in Montgomeryshire’ campaign as we know our members need better broadband provision, and we know the economy locally needs it too.”

 

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has already been campaigning for better broadband in rural areas. It has carried out its own research that found businesses that saw profits maintained or decreased were more likely not to use the internet – or be unable to access it.

 

It also found that many of its members paid for broadband speeds up to 8Mbps, but only received 1Mbps.

 

“Broadband is now a significant part of daily life for any small or medium-sized business,” said Dai Davies, FSB Development Officer for South Wales who is based in Newtown.

 

“Many would like to do business online or carry out video conferencing, download information or store data online, but with poor connectivity it hinders their ability to do this. There’s no doubt that many businesses in rural Wales will not invest if they cannot develop their online provision.”

 

Annette Burgess, Managing Director of Welshpool-based broadband provider eXwavia, which is backing the Monty Broadband ‘Speed Up Our Broadband in Montgomeryshire’ campaign, urged businesses and residents in Montgomeryshire to test their speed over the 18-19 August so that a clear picture of broadband in the area.

 

“The campaign is demonstrating how vital broadband is to communities and businesses here in rural Wales. By working together we can identify the ‘not spots’, raise the issue of broadband, and support Russell George AM in lobbying for better infrastructure.

 

“As a Wales-based Internet Service Provider we’re already bringing fast and reliable broadband into communities here, but much more needs to be done and we need the support of everyone living and working here to get behind the campaign.”

 

Visit the campaign website for more information at www.montybroadband.com.