2 June 2005
The European Commission has approved proposals to provide additional funding to help remove the "digital divide" between areas of Wales with broadband and those without.
The country is thought to have 98 per cent broadband coverage but the new subsidy, co-financed by the EU and the Welsh Assembly Government, will address the remaining 35 'blackspot' areas that do not have the necessary networks.
The funding comes as part of the Regional Innovative Broadband Support (RIBS) programme, which was launched in 2002 and aims to provide a complete broadband infrastructure across Wales by March 2007.
Speaking to the BBC, economic development minister Andrew Davies said: "Our objective is to improve the competitiveness of Wales by increasing the availability of affordable broadband across the country.
"Through the RIBS project we are seeking to bridge the digital divide and help future-proof the broadband environment in Wales."
Tenders are now expected to present solutions to expand broadband coverage to the known blackspots.© DeHavilland Information Services plc
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