BT seeks regional help on broadband

BT believes it is "essential" for regional authorities to help in the development of super-fast fibre broadband, its chairman told the Welsh Assembly.

Sir Michael Rake does not think that central government funding is required, but regional help is vital, especially in parts of the country where population factors hinder the process, reports the Western Mail.

"What will be essential in terms of prioritising capability and investment, is for the various regional authorities to look at what they can do from a funding point of view to develop fibre early, particularly in areas where population factors may not make it as immediately capable of being done as in other locations," the newspaper quoted him as saying.

BT is expected to make an initial investment of £1.5 billion in fibre to replace existing copper wires which can degenerate and are not as powerful in terms of speed, capability and download time.

This could provide access for up to ten million people, but Sir Michael said this would be subject to Ofcom, the regulatory body, providing the right pricing mechanism.

"We need that from Ofcom, and we need it quickly if we are to move forward," he said.