Bates champions broadband for all (Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats)

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Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats <montlibdems@gmail.com>

Bates champions broadband for all

October 8, 2008 12:00 AM

Liberal Democrat AM Mick Bates continues his campaign to increase broadband access for rural communities, challenging the Minister on news that the European Commission may expand the Telecommunications Universal Service Obligation to include broadband and guarantee equal access for all.

Commenting Montgomeryshire AM Mick said:

"The sustainability of rural communities is entwined with the growth of the broadband network and it is vital that access to broadband is extended to all. Broadband can be a lifeline enabling people to work from home, something which, with the rising cost of fuel, is becoming a more sensible and viable option.

"The Minister must do everything in his power to ensure that broadband for all becomes a reality as soon as possible. People living in rural areas have seen the services which they depend on being eroded away. Rural areas are severely disadvantaged compared to their urban counterparts - people in towns not only enjoy services which no longer exist in rural areas, but they also have access to broadband and a choice of cheap providers.

"I welcome the news that the European Commission is considering expanding the Telecommunications Universal Service Obligation (USO) to include access to broadband, so that everyone will be guaranteed equal access regardless of where they live. I urge the Minister to invest now in the next generation of broadband services, so that access for all is no longer a dream in the distant future."

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