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Introduction
This is the first Programme Target Progress Review since the
launch of the Broadband Wales Programme Strategy Document in
January 2005. This document will therefore provide an initial
benchmark against which progress towards each of the seventeen
targets can be measured over the lifetime of the new
Strategy.
At this early stage in the implementation of the revised
strategy, the programme is within agreed 'tolerances' and on
schedule to achieve each target within the published deadlines. The
issue of State Aid needs to be resolved to enable Target 5 to be
met i.e. create a fund to support the provision of broadband to
public sector sites in Wales.
To place the new targets into context, a summary table of the
2004 targets has been included in the appendix of this
document.
Progress for Q1: January - March 2005
Strategic Target (1)
Ensure that take up of first generation broadband in Wales is at
least equal to the UK average.
Green
Data from December 2004
Wales
10% of population have a broadband connection i.e. there are
10 broadband connections per 100 inhabitants (Source
Observatory)
This equates to 25% of all households have a broadband
connection (ORC)
This can be broken down into technology types:
- ADSL: 6.6 % of population have an ADSL
broadband connection (this is equal to 15% of all households in
Wales)
- Cable-modem: 3.3 % of population have a
cable-modem broadband connection (this equates to 10% of all
households in Wales)
- Satellite/Wireless: <1% of population have
a broadband connection using alternative technology types (this
equates to less than 1% of all households in Wales) (Source
Observatory)
UK
10% of population have a broadband connection i.e. there are
10 broadband connections per 100 inhabitants Wales is on par with
UK average broadband connectivity. (Source IDC, Analysys).
Western Europe
10% of population have a broadband connection i.e. there are
10 broadband connections per 100 inhabitants
Some countries e.g. The Netherlands are as high as 20% of
population (i.e. there are 20 broadband connections per 100
inhabitants); whilst Ireland 3% and Greece at less than 1% (i.e.
there are 3 broadband connections per 100 inhabitants in Ireland
and less than 1 broadband connections per 100 inhabitants in
Greece) (Source: IDC)
World Economies
South Korea 25% of population have a
broadband connection
(i.e. there are 25 broadband connections per
100 inhabitants)
Portugal 9% of population have a broadband
connection
(i.e. there are 9 broadband connections per
100 inhabitants)
The Netherlands has made an impressive move from
9th in ranking to 3rd of the top twenty
economies worldwide since December 2003 (UK ranked 18th)
(Source ITU)
Wales Unitary Authority data
|
Local Authority
|
Take-up of broadband by
households
|
Take-of broadband by
businesses
|
|
Anglesey
|
11.6%
|
20.0%
|
|
Blaenau Gwent
|
19.4%
|
23.7%
|
|
Bridgend
|
24.6%
|
28.7%
|
|
Caerphilly
|
25.7%
|
51.3%
|
|
Cardiff
|
41.6%
|
52.4%
|
|
Carmarthenshire
|
13.4%
|
11.2%
|
|
Ceredigion
|
17.1%
|
16.0%
|
|
Conwy
|
19.7%
|
9.2%
|
|
Denbighshire
|
24.5%
|
18.4%
|
|
Flintshire
|
21.7%
|
28.3%
|
|
Gwynedd
|
12.6%
|
10.9%
|
|
Merthyr Tydfil
|
20.1%
|
19.2%
|
|
Monmouthshire
|
26.3%
|
18.4%
|
|
Neath Port Talbot
|
30.5%
|
26.5%
|
|
Newport
|
34.5%
|
41.3%
|
|
Pembrokeshire
|
17.1%
|
19.0%
|
|
Powys
|
12.2%
|
17.2%
|
|
RCT
|
22.7%
|
25.6%
|
|
Swansea
|
33.6%
|
28.8%
|
|
Torfaen
|
23.4%
|
34.3%
|
|
Vale of Glamorgan
|
31.6%
|
34.5%
|
|
Wrexham
|
18.3%
|
20.0%
|
|
Wales Average
|
24.7%
|
27.4%
|
Wales is making promising progress in terms of first
generation broadband take-up.
The UK as a whole is reaching a level of broadband penetration
comparable to other Western European economies, with take-up now
exceeding that of both Germany and Italy.
Despite evidence of a growth in the use of broadband the UK
Government is concerned about the "digital divide" created through
some groups being excluded from benefiting from access to the
internet as a result of cost, lack of confidence or skills.
This point is supported by the UK Governments Digital Strategy
document, where research points to lack of interest motivation and
perceived need being the biggest barriers to internet use for adult
consumers.
The UK Government's seven point plan, published in March 2005
mandates that Ofcom collate consumer broadband market data on a
quarterly basis, to assess changes in competition and take up in
the broadband market with the specific aim of addressing digital
divide issues. This should provide a source of data for future
evaluation.
The ORC Welsh (annual) Broadband Perceptions Survey indicates
that at the Unitary Authority level Cardiff has the highest
broadband take-up levels within Wales for both businesses and
households, with take-up levels of 42% and 52% respectively.
In the absence of comparable secondary data sources, it is
suggested that further primary research be carried out to provide
new, fully comparable data on Wales, England, Scotland and Northern
Ireland. This should be repeated on an annual basis to provide an
ongoing, consistent and comparable picture of broadband development
over time. If timed to coincide with other international surveys
this would enable validation of results via comparison.
Alternatively a more frequent survey (e.g. monthly) could be used
to provide more specific information.
Amendments to the ORC survey questionnaire could be made to
include anchor questions used in other surveys such as Eurostat to
improve data comparison. In addition use of a clear definition of
the term broadband within the survey would enable an accurate
measurement of take-up in Wales to be made. (Current questionnaire
relies on respondent self-defining).
Adding questions to an Omnibus survey could provide a short
term solution to enhance the current market statistics base. This
could be carried out on a one-off basis to fill gaps until new
primary research is commissioned / carried out, or on a regular
basis to provide a regular data source. However, sampling /
amalgamation with other surveys is not ideal.
Strategic Target (2)
Ensure that everyone in Wales has access to information, which
allows them to make a decision on what broadband could mean for
them.
Status Q1
Green
Evidence of Progress
ORC Welsh Broadband Perceptions Survey 2005
From the ORC survey commissioned by the Welsh Assembly
Government Broadband Wales unit it can be seen that:
- 97% business respondents had heard of the term "broadband"
before the survey
- 93% residential respondents had heard of the term "broadband"
prior to the survey
- Key perceived broadband benefits compared to previous
technologies:
|
Benefit
|
% Residential
respondents
|
% Business respondents
|
|
Faster Internet Experience
|
60%
|
72%
|
|
Faster Download Speeds
|
20%
|
25%
|
|
Frees the telephone while online*
|
17%
|
17%
|
|
Always on internet connection
|
9%
|
13%
|
|
Potential cost savings
|
5%
|
5%
|
|
Reliability
|
4%
|
6%
|
*Relates only to ADSL broadband
Subsequent Focus Group interviews highlighted key issues for
future Broadband Wales Programme marketing to focus on:
- Relevance of broadband and information on key applications
- Use of simple messaging highlighting relevant benefits
- Cost for domestic market is the core motivator
- Children are relevant
- Why government is getting involved
Whilst the ORC survey respondents may have heard of the term
broadband this does not prove that they understand what it means to
them.
The ORC survey data indicates that only 60% of consumers
understand the key broadband benefit of increased internet
speed. The ORC survey results therefore indicate that
further marketing of broadband benefits is required to enable this
target to be achieved.
It is difficult to measure "potential" uptake as different
target groups require varying level of detail in order to make the
decision to adopt broadband. The Observatory would suggest
further detail is sought via the ORC survey or Omnibus survey to
establish how broadband adopters and non-adopters have found out
about broadband and where they would go to find out more
information if required.
e.g. follow up the question "are you aware of the term
broadband?" (yes/no) with:
If yes, where did you find out about broadband from? (offer
pick-list – different for consumers and businesses – e.g. for
business: TV; radio; magazine; leaflet; advert; Opportunity Wales;
website; word of mouth etc. for consumers: TV; radio; magazine;
advert; leaflet; library etc.)
If no, where would you go to find out about broadband? (Again,
pick-list different for business and consumers, including "don't
know" option).
Welsh Consumer Council Annual Survey
From the Welsh Consumer Council Annual Survey released in July
it can be seen that:
In the July 2004 "Internet Inequality in Wales" report, the
Welsh Consumer Council urged the Welsh Assembly Government to
develop a promotional campaign to "promote the advantages of
broadband", particularly targeting individual consumers.
Welsh Consumer Council Survey annual update due to be
published approx July 2005, with fieldwork already completed in
March 2005.
The Welsh Consumer Council survey does not show clear
numerical evidence of a gap in awareness of broadband;
however, the report does indicate a digital divide between
different socio-economic groups and between rural and
urban/semi-rural regions. This reflects pricing and
availability issues, but the report suggests awareness could also
be a factor in limiting uptake.
BBW communications plan
From the Broadband Wales Communications plan it can be seen
that:
·
'Product placement' (e.g. Pobol
y Cwm)
· Key
Influencer Group activities
·
eMarketing (unique, interactive personalised messages including
season specific opportunities)
Publicity/Marketing in March 2005
|
Activity
|
Output
|
|
Outdoor advertising campaigns across Wales
|
125 billboards
103 posters across at railway stations
106 roadside adverts
|
|
Direct Mail (across Wales)
|
Consumer mailing
|
|
Press Advertisements
|
Western Mail; South Wales Echo; Daily Post; South Wales
Evening Post
|
|
Technology booklet
|
Delivered via taskforce to partners and via Website (.pdf) to
interested parties
|
The Observatory would welcome the opportunity to agree further
appropriate targets for the Broadband Wales Programme marketing
campaign before the end of May 2005 for inclusion in the next
review, particularly as the shift in focus moves towards
stimulating increased take-up across all Local Authority
areas. For example, for the public relations campaign
measures could include:
Target number of headlines in international / national / local
media compared to actual number of coverage generated.
Target number of international / national / local speaking
opportunities compared to actual number of presentations
delivered.
Typical BBW Taskforce activities, coverage, events attended
etc
|
Month
|
Project Type
|
Area (UA)
|
Involvement
|
|
March
|
CCTV project to overcome antisocial behaviour
|
|
Funding information / advice
|
|
|
Wireless broadband for campus network
|
Aberystwyth
|
Technology information /advice
|
|
April
|
Publicity event
|
Denbighshire
|
General broadband information:
availability/advice/support/benefits
|
|
|
Publicity event
|
Ystradfellte
|
General broadband information
availability/advice/support/benefits
|
Taskforce activities have raised awareness of broadband in
terms of technology options, funding opportunities and general
information provision. Activities have been focused on
development and support of specific broadband projects.
However, further information is necessary to measure progress
against specific targets. The Observatory will therefore
provide a list of requirements before the end of May 2005 in order
to measure progress against targets 1 and 2 for findings to be
included in the next review / report.
Number of demos completed at "try before you buy" centres
|
Month
|
Target demonstrations
|
Actual demonstrations
|
|
January
|
155
|
199
|
|
February
|
155
|
209
|
|
March
|
155
|
159
|
Target of 155 reviews per month set in Strategy document (Jan
2005) met satisfactorily. These technical reviews include
general information communications technology demonstrations.
Number of visitors on Broadband Wales Programme website
|
Total Visitors per Month
|
Broadband Wales Programme Website (both English and Welsh
language sites)
|
Cymru ar Lein Website
(both English and Welsh language sites)
|
Total combined website hits
|
Total change from previous month
|
|
January 2005
|
695
|
1142
|
1837
|
-13%
|
|
February 2005
|
384
|
322
|
706
|
-62%
|
|
March 2005
|
1206
|
902
|
2108
|
199%
|
The Broadband Wales Observatory Website went "live" in January
2005. The visitor numbers are distorted by site testing of
both the general site and specifically the Brokerage Scheme
pages. Visitor numbers have therefore not been included in
this release of the Target Progress Review.
Strategic Target (3)
Award a contract to allow homes, businesses or voluntary
sector sites in Wales to have access to first generation broadband
infrastructure
Green
Progress compared to project timetable
|
Project timetable
|
Due date
|
Actual Date
|
|
Notification submitted to Europe
|
16/1/05
|
07/02/05
|
|
Notification to be cleared
|
16/05/05
|
|
|
Notification to be submitted
|
16/05/05
|
- ~ -
|
|
Contract to be awarded
|
16/10/05
|
- ~ -
|
|
Project start date to be agreed
|
17/10/05
|
- ~ -
|
1)Target date for submission of notification to Europe was
missed due to delays at DTI/UKRep. Answers submitted to
Commission questions, and parallel application awaiting approval
from WEFO.
2) 14
th April 2005 PIN published in M2
Presswire "to explore competitive procurement infrastructure supply
across Wales". The invitation to negotiate is to be announced later
in 2005. Published in
www.sell2wales.co.uk. The project aims to
provide a minimum asymmetric broadband service of 512/256kbps to
the 35 unviable exchange areas in Wales. The initiative
should deliver basic broadband to 100,000 members of the Welsh
population equating to 10,000 households and businesses in
Wales.
3)Similar initiatives ongoing in other areas of UK (e.g. West
Midlands and Scotland) provide positive precedents /
examples:
Invitation to tender published by Rural Broadband
Access Project at the end April 2005 – contract due to be
awarded mid June 2005. The project aims to implement
broadband telecommunications services solutions for target rural
areas of the West Midlands, South West England, the East Midlands
and other geographical areas by agreement to include both business
and residential customers. The project seeks to result in an
open wholesale infrastructure, providing a minimum asymmetric
broadband service of 512/256kbps. European Commission
approval for State Aid compatibility applied for and approval is
anticipated by September 2005.
Broadband for Scotland's Rural and Remote Areas
Initiative has been awarded to BT (25th April
2005). The PIN was advertised in the Official Journal of the
European Union in July 2004 and was notified to the European
Commission for State Aid clearance in parallel. Commission
approval for State Aid compatibility was received in November 2004.
It is intended that the Wales bid should proceed at least as fast
(i.e. ten months) from notification to contract award.
BT is to enable 378 exchanges to deliver basic broadband to 51,000
households and 5,400 businesses across Scotland that were
considered to be commercially unviable.
Issue at least a thousand Business Support Scheme Grants to
SMEs and the Voluntary Sector in Wales
Green
Applications received compared to grants awarded Q1 2005
Welsh Development Agency Broadband Support Scheme Q1 2005
|
Total Applications
|
198
|
|
Total Approved
|
106
|
|
% agreed (Q1)
|
54%
|
% agreed since March 2004
|
76%
|
Technology detail Q1 2005
|
Number of DSL (approved)
|
91
|
|
Number of Cable (approved)
|
0
|
|
Number of Wireless (approved)
|
7
|
|
Number of Lease line (approved)
|
6
|
|
Number of Satellite (approved)
|
2
|
|
% applications approved (Q1)
|
54%
|
Total approved applications since launch in 2002 (including
Satellite Subsidy Scheme) 874
The proportion of accepted applications compared to the
average acceptances over the lifetime of the broadband support
scheme, has been declining with increased broadband availability
and affordability. This reflects the improvement in broadband
availability and affordability since the launch of the Broadband
Business Support Scheme and the Observatory would suggest that a
formal evaluation be undertaken which may result in the scheme
being deemed ready for closure.
Create a fund to support the provision of broadband to public
sector sites in Wales
Red
State Aid issues have delayed progress on the Connectivity
Grant Support Scheme. ERDF application has been withdrawn
until these issues have been resolved.
Until the issues of State Aid are resolved this target will
not be achieved. Further work is required to develop the
project to conform to EC regulation.
Strategic Target (6)
Develop an agreed Welsh policy for the aggregation of public
sector demand for broadband infrastructure, in line with
'Making Better Connections';
Green
|
Action
|
Status
|
|
Feasibility study
|
Technical options paper complete and circulated
|
|
Consultation with public sector bodies
|
·
Working groups established for consultation
· Key
public sector network owners (Health and FE/HE) aligned own
procurement dates to potentially fit with LLN contract and
Public Sector Broadband Aggregation output
|
|
Business case approval
|
Consultant support being procured to further develop business
case.
|
|
Formal submission of policy (to Economic Development)
|
- ~ -
|
The Observatory is satisfied that the project is on schedule
and that the consultation process will be completed by late Autumn
2005. The project team is confident that this will allow
sufficient time for the Welsh Assembly Government to develop and
agree an appropriate policy.
The Observatory requires a revised timetable for the
submission of the business case and subsequent activities.
Demonstrate to the telecommunications industry the level of
demand for second generation broadband infrastructure that exists
in Wales.
Amber
Brokerage scheme operational Live date March 2005 (target
January 2005)
The delay in the launch of both the Broadband Brokerage Scheme
and associated marketing has had an impact on the number of
registrations to date.
Registrations will increase once marketing activities commence
in June 2005, and the Observatory will track success against
targets.
Brokerage scheme to capture demand: registration
statistics
|
Unitary Authority
|
Business User (%)
|
Business User Home (%)
|
Residential User (%)
|
Voluntary Organisation (%)
|
Total percentage (%)
|
Number of unviable exchanges
|
Number of exchanges yet to be enabled
|
|
Bridgend
|
0
|
1
|
1
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
|
Caerphilly
|
0
|
1
|
2
|
0
|
3
|
0
|
0
|
|
Cardiff
|
1
|
1
|
8
|
1
|
10
|
0
|
0
|
|
Carmarthenshire
|
4
|
3
|
14
|
0
|
21
|
3
|
23
|
|
Ceredigion
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
0
|
4
|
1
|
7
|
|
Conwy
|
1
|
2
|
4
|
1
|
8
|
2
|
3
|
|
Denbighshire
|
0
|
3
|
3
|
0
|
6
|
2
|
2
|
|
Flintshire
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
|
Gwynedd
|
0
|
1
|
6
|
0
|
7
|
6
|
10
|
|
Isle of Anglesey
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
6
|
|
Monmouthshire
|
0
|
1
|
5
|
1
|
7
|
3
|
2
|
|
Neath Port Talbot
|
0
|
1
|
1
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
1
|
|
Newport
|
0
|
0
|
4
|
0
|
4
|
0
|
6
|
|
Pembrokeshire
|
0
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
3
|
5
|
12
|
|
Powys
|
1
|
1
|
8
|
0
|
10
|
11
|
10
|
|
Rhondda, Cynon, Taff
|
0
|
0
|
6
|
0
|
6
|
0
|
0
|
|
Swansea
|
0
|
1
|
3
|
0
|
4
|
1
|
2
|
|
The Vale of Glamorgan
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
|
Wrexham
|
0
|
1
|
3
|
0
|
3
|
1
|
3
|
|
Other
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
- ~ -
|
|
Grand Total
|
9
|
17
|
71
|
3
|
100
|
35
|
82
|
Exchange data source: Welsh Assembly Government, correct as of
April 2005
Initial registration statistics indicate that most demand is
coming from residential users and from registrants in the 35
unviable exchanges in Wales. No applications have yet been
received from Torfaen, Merthyr Tydfil, Blaenau Gwent. All of
these have 100% exchanges ADSL enabled. Insufficient data is
currently available to split between first and second generation
broadband.
Some elements of the Marketing plan for the Broadband Brokerage
Scheme have yet to be finalised. However, the following has
taken place
|
Month
|
Activity
|
Result
|
|
March
|
Press release "hands up for better
broadband"
|
Radio interview Michael Eaton, Radio
Wales
media interview, Michael Eaton, GTFM
(Soundbite)
|
|
|
eCIC Press release to Opportunity Wales,
Business Eye, Cymru ar Lein focus group,
|
Posted on Opportunity Wales web site, published
in WOWE magazine (distribution to Opportunity Wales advisers),
included in direct mailing distributed by Opportunity Wales.
Published on Business Eye website (April 05)
|
|
|
Website promotion on Welsh Assembly Government
Broadband Wales Programme Website
|
Visitors accessing the brokerage scheme from
the Broadband Wales Programme Website to be monitored in
future
|
|
|
eCIC supplement in Western Mail
|
Published 6 page supplement, also distributed
direct to key influencers in Wales
|
Future reports to monitor the effectiveness of marketing
campaigns with regard to the number of registrations on the
brokerage site. The Observatory is to propose and agree additional
appropriate measures with the Broadband Wales Programme marketing
team before the end of May 2005.
Telecommunications industry relationship management plan
Plan to be developed by the Broadband Wales Programme team
against which progress will be measured.
Fund two Advisors in each Local Authority in Wales to help
implement local broadband strategies (until March 2006)
Green
Number of advisors in post per Local Authority (2 x 22 =
44)
The Observatory is satisfied that funding has been made
available for the 2005-06 financial year.
Fund a resilient broadband network linking all 22 Local
Authorities in Wales, supporting mission critical and value added
applications (until July 2006);
Green
Confirmation of network funding required by Observatory
The Observatory is satisfied that a network contract exists
and funding has been allocated.
Confirmation of mission-critical and value-added applications
used by Local Authority required by Observatory
Measures to be agreed between the Observatory and Broadband
Wales Programme team by September 2005 to indicate the extent to
which mission-critical and value-added applications are being
used.
Strategic Target (10)
Announce and implement the agreed policy in respect of the
aggregation of public sector demand for broadband
infrastructure.
Green
Communications plan and checkpoint report will be required by
the Observatory
Target to be completed in 2006. Dependent on timely completion
of Target 6.
Implementation plan and checkpoint report
Ensure that take up of first generation broadband in Wales is
at least equal to the UK average
Green
see Target 1
Target to be completed in 2006
Strategic Target (12)
Aim to support at least 50 local projects throughout
Wales
Status Q1
Green
Database of projects maintained by Observatory. Observatory to
be provided with details on the number of projects supported and
nature of support provided by the Broadband Wales Programme.
Local Projects supported: Q1 2005
On target for completion by March 2007
Type of support provided (i.e. financial /
non-financial)
Details to be provided in the next review
Ensure the availability of second generation broadband
infrastructure to at least 50% of the Welsh business
population
Green
Local Loop Unbundling and SDSL statistics
In March 2005, Bulldog, a local loop unbundler and wholly
owned subsidiary of Cable and Wireless announced its decision to
offer second generation broadband in Wales. To date, the
company has promoted "up to 4Mbps" ADSL broadband in five of the
eleven Cardiff exchange areas. Bulldog has indicated a "ready
for service" date of June 2005 for potential customers in the
selected areas.
BT offer the following SDSL products: 500kbps; 1Mbps and
2Mbps.
SDSL enabled exchanges: Bridgend; Cardiff Central; Newport;
Roath (Cardiff); Swansea; Wrexham.
Bulldog LLU product not yet launched. Progress to be
monitored for subsequent reports.
Business parks fibre connectivity map to be obtained from
Welsh Development Agency / Welsh Assembly Government
Contract on schedule to be awarded in Autumn 2005. Impact
analysis to be undertaken at this point.
Footprint of (second generation broadband) suppliers compared
to number of businesses in each postcode area
Model currently under development.
Aim to secure the provision of fibre speed broadband
connectivity at pre-identified business parks/locations at
affordable prices.
Green
BBW finalising business case/funding structure
|
Phase
|
Detail
|
Status
|
|
1
|
Feasibility Study
|
Complete
|
|
2
|
Market Testing
|
Draft report complete
|
|
3
|
Procurement Design
|
Awaiting approval at WDA; EMT; Programme Board
following completion of phase 2
|
|
4
|
EU Notification
|
Awaiting approval from European
Commission
|
|
5
|
PIN Issued
|
Complete
|
Target proceeding according to schedule
Strategic Target (15)
Aim to ensure that Wales has extensive geographic access to
competitive wholesale infrastructure
Green
Measure to be agreed with the Broadband Wales Programme team
in tandem with target 14
Target to be completed in 2007
Implement an agreed strategy in relation to the provision of a
direct connection from Wales to the global core internet
Green
Measure to be agreed with the Broadband Wales Programme team
once business case established and approved.
Target to be completed in 2007
Strategic Target (17)
Increase international awareness of the Broadband Wales
Programme benefits to help enhance Wales's reputation as a place
for businesses to locate and grow.
Status Q1
Green
Evidence of Progress
PR / marketing events attended by Observatory, Michael Eaton /
Broadband Wales Programme team / Taskforce / Welsh Development
Agency.
e.g. events attended by the Observatory include: Asia/Europe
eSolutions For A Global Economy; Networks springing up all over?
The future of community networks (DTI/ABC/CBN); WiMAX 2005
(Barcelona); United Nations eBusiness Policy Meeting.
Details required on international awareness raising
activities. A mechanism to obtain full details on this measure is
to be established during the next review period.
This document provides baseline data against which progress
towards the targets set out in the Broadband Wales Programme
Strategy of January 2005 will be measured. This is an early point
in the delivery of the new strategy (launched in January 2005) and
most targets are progressing within the project tolerances.
|
Target Status
|
Number at each Status
|
Target reference number
|
|
Green
|
15
|
1 - 4; 6;
8 - 17
|
|
Amber
|
1
|
7
|
|
Red
|
1
|
5
|
|
Total
|
17
|
- ~ -
|
The ongoing situation regarding "state aid" funding for
infrastructure projects is delaying the start of progress towards
Target 5 Create a fund to support the provision of broadband to
public sector sites in Wales. Clearer
guidelines for State Aid have been published in the European
Commission Competition Policy Newsletter 2005 (Number 1; Spring)
which should enable a timely resolution to this issue. If the
Broadband Wales Programme team can review the target detail and
ensure that it is compliant with any precedents set, such as that
of Limousin France, where a project has been approved
by the European Commission as provision of a Service of General
Economic Interest (SGEI) rather than a State Aid, this target
should proceed.
The target at Amber status (Target 7) is within project
tolerances, but will be monitored over the next review
period. Further detail is available within the report.
More detailed information will be made available for each
target area in subsequent reports
Appendix
|
Ref
|
Target
|
Status
|
Comment
|
|
1.
|
The availability of affordable terrestrial
broadband services in Wales will be increased by approximately 30%,
with 310,000 extra homes and 67,000 extra business lines
potentially being able to access broadband.
|
Achieved (Summer 04)
|
Updated to target 1
|
|
2
|
Broadband will be widely available throughout
Wales at near DSL prices.
|
Achieved (Summer 04)
|
No longer measured
|
|
3
|
50-100 local or regional initiatives will be
developed, harnessing the creativity of communities and businesses
to deliver broadband solutions optimally aligned with their
particular circumstances.
|
On target (March 07)
|
Updated to target 12
|
|
4
|
Fibre and/or other broadband connectivity will
be available at relevant business parks/locations.
|
On target (March 07)
|
Updated to target 14
|
|
5
|
Approximately 1200 additional public sector
sites will be broadband enabled.
|
Achieved (Summer 04)
|
No longer measured
|
|
6
|
Cost orientated high-speed connectivity will be
made available between Wales and an international Internet
hub.
|
Further research on target viability
planned by BBW
|
Updated to target 16
|
|
7
|
Increased awareness of broadband and its
benefits, which will stimulate creativity and entrepreneurship
across Wales.
|
On target (March 07)
|
Updated to target 2
|
|
8
|
Increased international awareness of the
Broadband Wales Programme, which will enhance Wales' reputation as
a place for businesses to locate and grow.
|
On target (March 07)
|
Updated to target 17
|
The 2004 targets have been revised and replaced in the
Programme Strategy Review in January 2005. Due to these
amendments only the new targets will be assessed from January 2005
onwards.
The regular review of progress against targets involves the
use of a series of key metrics which can be applied on a quarterly
basis to ensure consistency in progress monitoring. This is highly
dependent on the relevant information being made available to the
Broadband Wales Observatory. Key information is collated from the
Broadband Wales Programme highlight reports, which are made
available to the Broadband Wales Observatory on a regular (monthly)
basis.
In a number of instances mechanisms need to be established to
collect relevant data for review purposes. These have been
highlighted in this document and a meeting has been arranged to
finalise procedures ready for the next reporting cycle.
Where relevant, information from third parties has been used
in order to provide supporting evidence and clarification on target
progress.
Measurement of progress towards targets has been restricted in
some instances due to limited comparative data, e.g. the definition
of "first generation" broadband adopted by the Broadband Wales
Programme is not a standard definition used by other research
agencies. Similarly, data is not currently available on all
measures, an area which will be resolved over time.