Clwyd MS Darren Millar has renewed his call for better broadband connectivity in rural North Wales after meeting with Openreach Cymru to discuss progress on the rollout of full fibre broadband.

The Welsh Conservative leader, who has repeatedly raised concerns in the Senedd about digital exclusion in rural communities, said reliable broadband is now an essential service rather than a luxury.

Mr Millar recently met representatives from Openreach Cymru at the Senedd’s Y Farchnad event to discuss the ongoing expansion of full fibre networks across North Wales and to stress the importance of delivering improvements as quickly as possible.

He said many residents, businesses and families continue to contact him about poor broadband connections, which can affect everything from education and healthcare access to business growth and communication.

“Upgrading digital infrastructure is essential for reducing isolation, supporting local economies, and enabling remote working,” he said.

“It is transforming our way of life and the way we do business and the need for households and businesses to have access to next generation broadband and good mobile phone coverage in the twenty first century is paramount. Good connectivity is no longer a luxury.”

Mr Millar has long campaigned for improved digital infrastructure in rural parts of Clwyd, arguing that poor connectivity can leave communities at a disadvantage compared to more urban areas.

The rollout of full fibre broadband is seen as a key part of efforts to improve speeds and reliability, allowing more people to work from home, access online services and run businesses more effectively.

Highlighting the growing importance of digital technology, Mr Millar said: “The digital economy is growing seven times faster than the rest of the economy combined, and this is largely due to the vast adoption of mobile technologies such as smart phones and tablets.

“Ensuring people and businesses in all parts of Wales can get good mobile coverage and access to superfast broadband is vital.”

Openreach has been expanding its full fibre network across North Wales in recent years, with thousands of homes and businesses now able to access gigabit-capable broadband services. However, some remote and rural communities continue to face challenges because of geography and infrastructure costs.

Mr Millar said he would continue pressing for improvements to ensure those communities are not left behind.

“Access to reliable broadband should not depend on your postcode,” he said.

“Rural communities deserve the same opportunities and connectivity as anywhere else in the country. They want and deserve fair treatment and I will continue working with Openreach Cymru and others to ensure that they receive it.”