Written question WQ93965
- Asked by
- Samuel KurtzConservative
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 5 days
Question
How is the Welsh Government supporting local authorities to share best practice on delivering broadband projects in their areas?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning
Telecommunications is not a devolved matter and responsibility for broadband connectivity rests with the UK Government.
Due to the failure of the previous UK Government to invest, the Welsh Government has stepped into this non-devolved policy area and established a Wales Digital Infrastructure Group with members from local authorities across Wales. The group allows for exchange of knowledge and best practice between Welsh and local government to support practical actions that can be taken to improve access to digital infrastructure.
In addition, the Welsh Government is hosting an information session this month (September 2024) for local authorities on using publicly owned assets to facilitate improved digital connectivity. The session will be an opportunity for local authorities to learn from others as well as to share experience and best practice, for example, the application of Open Access Agreement.