Superfast broadband 'essential for Welsh businesses'

Demand for VoIP hardware could be set to rise in Wales after the UK government confirmed it is stepping up its investment in broadband infrastructure.

According to culture secretary Jeremy Hunt, superfast broadband is "essential if businesses are to grow and create jobs".

Furthermore, he stated that the technology is becoming "increasingly important" to people's everyday lives and the delivery of public services.

However, Mr Hunt warned that the roll-out of broadband in the more inaccessible and rural parts of the UK is lagging behind that in other areas.

This, he said, is why more than £56 million is being invested on extending broadband penetration across Wales.

"We must ensure the whole country can join the digital age," Mr Hunt commented.

The move comes shortly after telecoms regulator Ofcom unveiled an interactive map of the UK highlighting the level of broadband penetration in each part of the nation.

Ed Richards, chief executive of the watchdog, said he hopes this will "stimulate further rollout of broadband infrastructure" across Britain.