eXwavia backs Montgomeryshire broadband campaign

Welsh wireless internet service provider eXwavia is backing a campaign that aims to deliver super-fast broadband connectivity to Montgomeryshire.

The initiative, launched by local AM Russell George, will see a county-wide speed test take place on August 18th and 19th 2012, with the results set to be used to lobby for improvements in broadband line speeds and infrastructure.

Based near Welshpool, eXwavia has already rolled out wireless broadband to Anglesey and the communities in and around Adfa and Cefn Coch in Montgomeryshire.

Before the deployment, residents and businesses in these areas were stuck with speeds of below 2Mbps, but can now enjoy downstream rates of between 4Mbps and 60Mbps.

Annette Burgess, eXwavia's managing director, said it is currently unclear how poor the broadband service is in some local communities.

"By undertaking the speed test weekend in August, we'll have a much clearer picture allowing our AM to identify where pressure needs to be placed to improve broadband provision," she added.

In May, Ms Burgess argued that campaigns to encourage the rollout of super-fast broadband in rural areas need to be less fragmented and better coordinated if they are to prove effective.