WACT Conference Tuesday 18th March

Presentation on Wales’ Broadband Strategy by

Andrew Davies AMEconomic Development and e-Minister

Welsh Assembly Government

Issues

1.Need for an acceleration in broadband rollout and take up:

2.Importance of an appropriate regulatory environment;

3.Importance of consumer representation and a voice for Wales feeding into OFCOM structure

The Case for Intervention

Combination of:-

• Geography

• Demographics and

• Relatively low levels of economic activity mean that the market left to itself is unlikely to deliver affordable broadband to many parts of Wales.

Broadband Wales Programme• £115 million Flagship Programme

• A balanced, holistic & flexible strategy targeting:-

- supply & demand side

- encouraging local initiatives

- facilitating specific procurements

- development of the aggregation of public sector demand.

Broadband Wales Programme (continued)

• Not just about technology but how we use it to:-

- enhance our communities

- build successful businesses

- improve public services, and,

- develop ICT skills and learning

Progress to Date

• SME Broadband Satellite Subsidy launched, full operational and delivering

• ‘Try Before You Buy’ showcasing facilities providing practical advice on the potential and benefits of broadband

• Wales Lifelong Learning Network- approx.. 50% of schools .to be connected by end of this month.

Objective 1 Bid

• £20 million bid to:

1.Reverse subsidy auction to extend broadband availability

2.Extension to the Public Sector Network,and

3.Support for Local Innovative and Regional projects

Balanced Approach

• Targeting both the demand and supply side to address market failure

• Objective : To kick-start a virtuous broadband cycle of increased demand feeding supply.

Regulatory Framework

Vital to ensure that:-

• markets work efficiently

• there is genuine competition and consumer choice

• Need to strike a balancing act between dangers of over-regulation and interventions to protect consumer interests and the long term viability of the market.

OFCOM

• Will merge the functions of; the ITC, Broadcasting Standards Commission , Oftel , Radio Authority and RA.

• Vital that Wales has a voice within this new structure through the OFCOM consumer panel and content board

• Assembly Government has also lobbied hard for representation on main OFCOM board.

Thank You

• For further information on the Assembly Governments strategic plans to facilitate a first class telecommunications infrastructure and the progress we are making please visit:-

www.cymruarlein.wales.gov.uk