Pan-Wales business and technology think-tank, ITWales, is warning that a lack of investment in the country's broadband infrastructure could risk delaying Wales' move towards a fully-inclusive knowledge-based economy and is calling for greater consideration of alternative broadband delivery methods.
In a recent member survey, a lack of viable broadband access - especially in rural areas - was highlighted as an issue of particular concern and a problem likely to significantly disrupt Wales' progression towards a high-speed internet strategy, if it is not confronted at an early opportunity.
"Nearly all of our member organisations feel positive that Wales' technology and business strategies are heading in the right direction. On the whole, the business, academic and public sectors seem to work well together," commented ITWales Director Beti Williams. "However, many are also concerned that the country will soon be 'hitting the buffers' unless we can resolve this continuing problem relating to Wales' incomplete broadband infrastructure," she added.
Wales' geography and its large number of rural and 'detached' regional communities has meant that while major regional population centres like Cardiff, Swansea, Wrexham and others are already well served by broadband-enabled exchanges, there are still many hundreds of rural communities which remain unconnected - and therefore unable to receive much-needed broadband services.
Richard Baker, MD of Cardiff-based digital design business Sequence, said: "Companies across Wales are struggling to find reliable and quick broadband, which they require if they are to compete - nationally or internationally. BT Tower in Cardiff is the only data centre where ISPs can pick up the broadband network. In Manchester alone, by comparison, there are five or six access nodes - so the infrastructure for bandwidth in Wales is currently not good enough."
Beti Williams continued: "The Welsh Assembly Government accepts that ICT infrastructure is vital for the strategic growth of the Welsh economy, therefore it is essential that we begin to consider alternative broadband delivery methods - such as wireless services - which can be implemented in the shorter term, and which will considerably enhance the knowledge economy in Wales rural regions."