Cardiff could be first to enjoy super fast broadband

According to a recent report Cardiff could be the first UK city to enjoy the benefits of super fast broadband following talks between BT and city officials

According to a recent report city officials from Cardiff in Wales and officials from BT, the communications giant, have been in recent talks about Cardiff becoming the first UK city to benefit from BT’s super fast broadband. Sir Michael Rake, the chairman of BT, has spent time in Cardiff meeting the First Minister and other senior officials to discuss the issue, according to reports.

Rake has apparently told seniors in the city how this destination could benefits if it is decided that it should be the first UK city to enjoy the benefits of super fast broadband. Families will be able to access an array of services at the same time using a single connection, as well as enjoying far faster Internet access.

Rake stated: “Six years ago we had virtually no broadband in the country. Today there is 99% availability. You’ve got nearly half the country using it, and it’s moved from being a luxury to a necessity. While the speeds may seem great, they’re not enough now for current demand, whether it’s individuals or businesses.”

He added: “What BT have said is that we believe it’s important and we’re willing to make an initial investment of £1.5bn in fibre, which could serve up to 10 million people, subject to Ofcom giving us the right pricing mechanism – that there’s not a cap on the price that makes it completely unacceptable from our shareholder point of view to take the risk of investment. We need that from Ofcom, and we need it quickly if we are to move forward. Then we’ll go to the Cabinet, but it’s going to be three, four or five years before we can start making an initial impact on this.”