5. Debate on the Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee report: 'Digital Infrastructure in Wales'

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:50 pm on 22 November 2017.

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Photo of Russell George Russell George Conservative 3:50, 22 November 2017

Diolch, Llywydd. I'm grateful to the Members who took part in this debate this afternoon. If I can perhaps comment on each one. Now, Adam Price rightly pointed out the disparity of connectivity in rural Wales in particular, and also mentioned Ceredigion, which is absolutely lagging behind other parts of Wales and the UK in comparison. And Adam mentioned alternative solutions and, of course, those were heard by the Minister, and I would hope that those can be considered as part of a successor scheme. 

Vikki Howells commented on examples of poor communication. These examples are very familiar to me, I have to say. And David Rowlands, thank you for your kind words towards me, and David, of course, pointed out the issues about trying to resolve issues that the mobile operators had raised with us. I think, as a committee, I was certainly keen to address the mobile phone operators' asks, if only to stop them making excuses when they come back in the future. You know, we can say, 'We've delivered your asks; now why are there continuing to be issues?'  

Simon, of course, also talked about his own survey, which reminds me I did take my own survey in my own constituency in regard to speed, and I totally agree with Simon, in that people don't want, and they're not interested in hearing about BT being fined. All they want is connectivity. That's what's important to them. 

I'm so pleased that Hefin David mentioned Duncan and Ray Taylor who came to committee and gave evidence to us. I think it's probably the longest answer allowed in a committee session—I think I asked a question and 15 minutes later Mr Taylor was still talking.