CONNECTING Carmarthenshire was the topic of discussion when local MP Jonathan Edwards met with representatives of BT, including new BT Cymru/Wales Director in Parliament this week.
Following the meeting, Mr Edwards said that his concerns had been upheld, but added that he was ‘encouraged’ by BT plans for the region.
Mr Edwards met with BT Cymru/ Wales Director, Alwen Williams and Head of the Superfast Cymru programme, Edward Hunt to discuss the availability of broadband throughout his Carmarthen East and Dinefwr constituency.
The Plaid Cymru MP said the catalyst for seeking the meeting was a rise in local residents raising complaints about their phone and internet services – concerns he put to the BT Director at the meeting.
Just over half (50.7%) of properties in Carmarthen East and Dinefwr have access to Superfast broadband – a figure which is set to raise to 90% by the end of the year. This compares to a county-wide availability of 67.7% of all Carmarthenshire properties.
Mr Edwards said his meeting concentrated on five key areas:
- The current roll out timetable of the fibre broadband scheme;
- The solutions available for those who will not be captured in the scheme;
- The options available for business premises which need a dedicated super speed connection;
- The opportunities fibre-enabled boxes bring for greater mobile phone coverage; and
- The apparent high number of line faults locally and the delays they take to be repaired.
Speaking after the meeting Jonathan Edwards said his long-held concern regarding the slow pace of roll-out in rural areas was confirmed, but he was encouraged by current plans.
The Plaid Cymru MP hailed the potential of superfast rollout to significantly increase mobile phone signals across the county as mobile phone operators are able to utilise the superfast cabinets to provide greater coverage.
Jonathan Edwards MP said: “The catalyst for my meeting was to discuss the significant rise in local complaints I’ve received from residents and businesses who are experiencing lengthy delays in getting their phone lines reconnected after they’ve been cut off. I’m grateful that BT has committed to looking at these cases and how it can improve its communication with the affected customers.
“During the meeting I also received a full briefing on the roll out of superfast broadband. My longheld concerns on the glacial-pace of roll out in my constituency were confirmed, but I am encouraged with the plans for the rest of the year.
“More urban counties are ploughing ahead with superfast coverage – I expressed my urgency in wanting Carmarthenshire to catch up and not left at a disadvantage.
“It’s clear that a number of properties in rural areas will not be captured in the superfast scheme. I’m delighted that there are more options available to these properties, and I’ve pressed BT to ensure we explore those options now, in conjunction with superfast rollout, so that the every community is upgraded alongside each other.
“One of the most encouraging discussions was on the ability of mobile phone operators to use the upgraded fibre cabinets in order to deliver mobile phone signal solutions within a one mile radius of each box. Having already met with a number of the mobile phone giants, I am now seeking more information on their plans to take advantage of these technology options.
“Connecting Carmarthenshire is now very much on the national agenda, but I will not be satisfied until we can all benefit from increased connectivity.”
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