FUW backs rural broadband campaign

Rural broadband campaigners in Montgomeryshire, Wales, have won backing from the Farmers Union of Wales (FUW).

Alwyn Vaughan, county chairman for Montgomeryshire at the FUW, said the organisation is giving its full support to the Monty Broadband initiative and has regularly highlighted the problem of poor connection speeds to the Welsh Assembly Government.

Many farming businesses rely on the internet for a range of purposes, including direct sales and administrative activities such as VAT, he pointed out.

"Shortly Single Payment applications will be going online and a good reliable internet connection will be required," Mr Vaughan explained.

Last month, local AM Russell George said residents and businesses in Montgomeryshire are fed up of being second best in the connection stakes.

Mr George launched the Monty Broadband campaign, insisting the area deserves faster and more reliable broadband to improve economic and social prosperity.

A county-wide speed test will be conducted on August 18th and 19th 2012 to help lobby for infrastructure upgrades.