Nia Griffith MP and Lee Waters AM held a roundtable meeting to give local business owners in Llanelli Gate, Dafen, the chance to put their frustrations directly to BT Wales Director Edward Hunt. Anger at poor broadband speeds has been growing in recent months.
Edward Hunt apologised for any poor service that has been received and reassured the businesses that the Heol Cropin cabinet would be operational with fibre optic services by the end of October, 2016.
A group of BTs field engineers also explained the technical aspects of the Heol Cropin street cabinet which serves the area in question and demonstrated how the upgrades were performed, along with the logistical difficulties of performing the work which leads to delays.
Nia Griffith MP said “It’s encouraging to hear that progress is being made in Dafen, but local businesses have heard assurances from BT before, and now we really must have the new connections fully functioning within weeks, NOT months. I am also pursuing BT vigorously about upgrading connection speeds in Llanedi, Bynea and parts of the Gwendraeth valley. If householders or businesses are experiencing difficulties, please get in touch with me so that I can raise the problems with BT as the whole Superfast Cymru programme is supposed to be completed in this area by June next year.”
Lee Waters AM added “The digital age has changed the way that we do business, on a global, national and local level. Our telecommunications infrastructure needs to reflect that, we cannot keep relying on redundant technology. All too often, businesses in Llanelli are hampered by their broadband connection.”
“Through the Superfast Cymru scheme, the Welsh Labour Government has recognised this and is trying to do something about it. BT now need to step up to the plate and deliver what’s been asked of them, or businesses are at risk of being left in the dark ages. We have a great deal of enterprise in Llanelli. Broadband should be a help, not a hindrance”
