Welsh Broadband Support Scheme to be extended

Broadband access across Wales is set to be expanded, it has been revealed, giving businesses greater opportunities to make use of high-speed internet services.

Under an extension of the Welsh Assembly Government's Broadband Support Scheme (BSS), private sector organisations, third sector groups and individuals located in 'slowspots' - where internet connectivity is below 2Mbps - will be able to apply for funding to access a broadband network.

The grants have a maximum value of £1,000 and had previously only been offered to those in so-called 'notspots', areas where connectivity is less than 512Kbps.

"By extending the criteria for the BSS we can make sure that more people can access broadband and take advantage of the opportunities provided by digital technologies," Edwina Hart, business, enterprise, technology and science minister, claims.

She adds that since the programme's launch in July 2010, more than 800 businesses, households and third sector organisations across Wales have been given funding in order to join a broadband network.

The BSS has been allocated a total of £2 million to issue as grants, while discussions are currently underway for it to access funding from the European Union through the Rural Development Plan.