The Rural Economy

Part of 1. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport – in the Senedd at 2:12 pm on 22 November 2017.

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Photo of Ken Skates Ken Skates Labour 2:12, 22 November 2017

—superfast broadband connectivity. I recall, when I was responsible for skills and technology, that we chose Gwynedd as the pathfinder area for business exploitation of Superfast Cymru. If you look at some parts of rural Wales, they're amongst the best-connected parts of the UK. Superfast Cymru—[Interruption.] Superfast Cymru has delivered superfast broadband faster, sooner, at a quicker pace than in many parts of the UK. Yes, there are areas. I admit that there are areas of Wales that are still not connected, but that will be for the next phase—those hard-to-reach areas. We are providing the solutions. I know that you're providing many criticisms, but we are providing the solutions to what is a challenge that is global. There are only a few countries on this planet that currently have 100 per cent access to superfast broadband. Wales today, as a consequence of direct interventions of this Welsh Labour Government, stands as one of the best-connected countries, but we will continue to go further and connect businesses and dwellings to superfast broadband across the country.