Local politicians Jonathan Edwards MP and Adam Price AM have welcomed the party’s plan to eradicate broadband not spots.

The Carmarthen East and Dinefwr representatives, having stepped up their ‘Connecting Carmarthenshire’ campaign earlier this year by hosting a public meeting for their constituents, have pledged to seek answers for properties affected by slow speeds and no connectivity.

Last week Plaid Cymru unveiled a three-point-plan to eradicate Wales of broadband not-spots by 2025.

The party will do so by listening to industry concerns and getting to the root of the problems telecoms providers face when attempting to install full fibre broadband in hard-to-reach areas.

The Prime Minister’s plan to roll out full fibre broadband came under attack from telecoms companies when it was launched earlier in June for not providing any detail and for failing to address the hurdles to delivering full fibre broadband.

In recent years, the UK Government has spent money to improve broadband infrastructure in three of the four UK nations, but not Wales. £150 million was handed to Northern Ireland to improve broadband connectivity as part of DUP-Conservative Government back-room deal. The UK Government found a further £10 million for full-fibre broadband in six trial areas across England and Scotland, but not rural Wales.

Plaid Cymru’s three-point-plan contains the following measures:

• Cut the fibre tax - Fibre infrastructure currently has business rates applied to it, just like other commercial property. Plaid Cymru believes this discourages investment and should be rethought.

• New builds fit-for-purpose - Too many new homes are still being developed without provision for fibre broadband. Plaid Cymru wants all new build homes to incorporate gigabit-capable internet connections.

• Skills - A large number of engineers will be required to carry out all the work involved. Plaid Cymru would invest in training and skills for the industry to be able to meet the demand.

Carmarthen East and Dinefwr MP, Jonathan Edwards said: “I met with one constituent recently who has a brand new high speed fibre optic cable rolled up outside in their village for the past three years whilst they agonisingly try to understand why their properties have not been connected.

“Both the Tory UK and Labour Welsh Governments have failed in their delivery of broadband to rural communities so my colleagues and I in Plaid Cymru are serious about addressing this important issue so that rural communities won’t be let down further.

“Connecting Carmarthenshire is of vital importance to our economy and everyday lives. That is why Plaid Cymru’s three-point-plan is essential to eradicate Wales of broadband not-spots by 2025.”

Carmarthen East and Dinefwr AM and Leader of Plaid Cymru, Adam Price said: “The lack of good broadband coverage has exercised many of my constituents for many years.

“We know that good broadband is considered the fourth utility. Digital infrastructure is also vital if we are to truly transform our economic prospects as it is undeniable that poor connectivity is impacting upon our local economy and our ability to do everyday tasks – particularly when more and more of those daily tasks are being moved online.

"So I am pleased that through this plan Plaid Cymru has committed to eradicating broadband not-spots in Wales by 2025.”