Elin Jones AM and Ben Lake MP have been working together to ensure that Ceredigion is prioritised in the funding of broadband by the Welsh and UK governments.

Last week saw a long-awaited statement from the Welsh Government minister responsible for broadband in Wales, Julie James AM, outlining the next steps in rollout of superfast broadband.

It outlined that the premises remaining to be connected have been split into ‘Lots’, with Ceredigion a part of the West Wales and Valleys Lot, Lot 3, and that it will be made clear which properties will be connected in this rollout.

Further to this, Ms Jones has been told to expect 1,000 Ceredigion properties to be in the lot, and that they are due to be connected over the next three years.

Ms Jones said: “I understand that the Welsh Government is yet to complete discussions with BT/Openreach on the previous Superfast Cymru contract, and this may result with more properties connected in order to fulfil this contract.

“I met with the minister recently to discuss this statement and I will meet with her again in the next few weeks to discuss properties in Lot 3.

“I also hope to discuss how we plan for community solutions in areas that will not be reached. This may well involve alternative providers and using a mixture of fibre and wireless solutions.

“None of this is satisfactory in my view, but I’m keen to work with every community in Ceredigion to see how we can get Welsh Government money to support this, even where there is no formal contract with BT.”