Improving broadband connectivity is a priority for Pembrokeshire with the final sign-off on a “significant” government grant due soon.

Cabinet member for economy, tourism, leisure and culture Clr. Paul Miller said that the council had been successful in a bid for funding from the Department of Media and Sport and was awaiting its final sign off.

This is part of the work going on to improve connectivity in the county he said, in response to a question from a member of the public.

David Edwards’ question to full council on Thursday (February 27) was: “Setting up and running a small business or becoming self employed is much more difficult in rural areas if broadband speeds are unacceptably low. In Stackpole, for example, the current download speed is 0.90Mbps and upload speed is 0.76Mbps.

“BT Openreach stated on January 26, 2020: ‘We intend to build a significant portion of our full fibre network in these harder to reach areas and we are announcing 227 areas today to receive the new service.’

“Nineteen of these areas are in Carmarthenshire. None are in Pembrokeshire.

“What plans do the council have to ensure that Pembrokeshire is not, once again, the poor relation when compared to our more fortunate neighbour?”

Clr. Miller said he agreed with Mr. Edwards and “connectivity is a key fundamental service.”

He said the council was doing more than any other in Wales, and possibly the UK, to improve broadband with the “significant investment” from the latest grant having wide reach.

There were also four pilot areas currently accessing government vouchers to improve their connectivity with 88 others identified across the county as well as capital funding of £2million.