MPs are to investigate broadband services — amid fears Wales is being left behind in the digital revolution.
The Welsh Affairs Select Committee has agreed to undertake an inquiry into broadband services, which will examine the Government's broadband strategy, the case for further Next Generation Access to super-fast broadband.
It will also look into the extent to which the strategy of the UK Government will complement the Welsh Assembly Government's priorities for the future of broadband in Wales, progress made towards promoting digital inclusion in Wales, including evidence of the take-up of broadband support schemes on offer, and an end to broadband "notspots".
The inquiry will also consider the progress made towards improving mobile broadband coverage in Wales.
In its request for submissions, the committee said: "The Government has recently made a significant commitment to investing in the UK's Broadband infrastructure and developing next generation broadband.
"The Government's aim, outlined in Britain's Superfast Broadband Future, is to give the country "the best broadband network in Europe by 2015. The Government has announced �830 million of public funding to finance the broadband strategy to 2017.
"Increasingly, reliable internet access is seen as a driver of economic performance and vital for business, education and people living alone or in isolated areas.
"There is, however, some concern that Wales is being left behind other parts of the UK and beyond in the digital revolution with reports of serious difficulties experienced by some people living in rural areas in gaining access to broadband services."
The deadline for written submissions is May 3, 2011.
A guide for written submissions to may be found on the parliamentary website at www.parliament.uk/documen ts/commons-committees/witn essguide.pdf
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