Issue - meetings

To receive a presentation from Edward Hunt, Programme Director, Superfast Cymru.

That the presentation be received.

The Chairman welcomed and introduced Mr. Edward Hunt, Superfast Cymru Programme Director, and invited him to give a presentation on Superfast Cymru.  Mr. Hunt provided background information and context and explained that the project was created in partnership with BT and the Welsh Government.  The main points of the presentation were:

·        Aims of Superfast Cymru

·        The  ‘Open’ Network

·        Rollout progress

·        Plans for Flintshire

·        Why fibre broadband

The Chairman thanked Mr. Hunt for a detailed and informative presentation and invited Members to raise questions.  The Chairman indicated that he would be exercising his discretion to allow a member of the public attending the meeting to speak and ask a question.  He formally welcomed Mr Paul Hill to the meeting.

Councillor Ian Dunbar commented on the cost, which he felt could be prohibitive, for some residential customers and small businesses switching to fibre broadband.   Mr. Hunt advised that due to market competition the cost of transferring to fibre broadband was relatively low and with some providers there may be no charge at all for existing customers.  He outlined the benefits of fibre broadband and advised that the inability for old internet connections to continue to meet needs was the biggest driver. 

Councillor Carolyn Thomas highlighted the significant problems concerning broadband connection which was experienced by residents, farmers, and businesses in rural areas.  Mr. Paul Hill explained the difficulties he had experienced in establishing a consistent internet connection in his rural area.  Mr. Hunt agreed to discuss externally the issues and concerns raised and outlined the work being undertaken on rural and urban deployment and commented on the size of the engineering project.  He gave reassurance that  there would be no single large area in Flintshire or Wales which would not have access to a broadband service: the intention was to achieve 96% penetration, which would be amongst the highest achieved globally.  The 4% would not be related to a discrete geographical area, but would instead be individual properties which proved ‘hard to reach’ across the country.

Councillor Chris Dolphin commented on the impact that advances in information technology had on local communities and cited the closure of high street shops and banks as an example. 

Councillor Veronica Gay suggested that all community centres should be connected to fibre broadband. 

During discussion Mr. Hunt advised of the work being undertaken in conjunction with the Authority’s Economic Development Team to inform residents in Flintshire of Superfast Cymru and the availability of fibre broadband.  It was agreed that Mr. Hunt would liaise with the Director of Environment following the meeting concerning some issues which had been encountered with marketing.  It was also suggested that information on Superfast Cymru be included in the Authority’s newsletter Your Community Your Council, and that a press release be submitted following the meeting.        

RESOLVED

That the presentation be received.