5G Coverage

Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 2:03 pm on 3 May 2022.

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Photo of Joel James Joel James Conservative 2:03, 3 May 2022

Thank you, Minister. 5G connectivity is a central component in terms of this Government meeting its ambitions to have 30 per cent of the Welsh workforce working from home. In addition, many of your policies—for instance, reducing traffic to help improve air quality and reduce carbon dioxide emissions on the roads, and improving work-life balance and expanding the use of technology for innovations like smart farming—hinge so much on 5G connectivity. Our economy, and in particular our rural economy, has suffered so much from the pandemic, and it is now a race against time to get 5G installed across Wales. As I'm sure the First Minister is aware, the 2021 broadband open market review revealed that, despite the current roll-out across Wales, in three years' time, almost 118,000 premises will still be without access to next-generation capable broadband, and a further 118,000 premises will still be under review. For gigabit-capable broadband in three years' time, there will still be almost 330,000 premises without access, and a further 660,000 premises under review. This relatively long period undoubtedly affects start-up businesses, particularly in rural areas, and reduces Wales's competitive advantage when it comes to attracting new business. Whilst funding is available from the UK Government under Project Gigabit to support upgrading to 5G, particularly in rural areas, the limiting factor now is the ability of the Welsh Government to make the procurement from technology companies—