THE Pony Express would be a quicker and more reliable form of communication for a remote Monmouthshire valley ‘blighted’ by weak internet access, an MP has claimed.

 

David Davies, Conservative member for Monmouth, said a lack of mobile phone coverage and high-speed broadband in Llanthony had left residents stuck in the ‘digital dark ages.’

 

The mobile ’not-spot’ means no 3G signal is available, while those wanting broadband have resorted to installing expensive satellite dishes.

Residents also complain of severely weakened internet connections.

 

Problems have also been reported with the quality of fixed-line telephone services given the distance from the exchange at Crucorney - more than 16 miles away. 

 

BT has admitted it does not yet have a plan to bring superfast fibre broadband to the area.

 

"Broadband and mobile phone access are nowadays taken for granted as essential tools of modern life," said Mr Davies.

 

"While BT have told me eight out of 10 homes and businesses in Monmouthshire can access high-speed broadband today, this is scant comfort for those in the Llanthony Valley who feel badly let down.

 

"Small businesses are struggling with all facets of online communication, young people are dissuaded from remaining in an area stuck in the digital dark ages, and the older generation is increasingly isolated."

 

Mr Davies said there was a ‘strong safety argument’ to installing a mobile phone antenna in the valley. It is a major hiking and pony trekking destination and attracts large numbers of school children on expeditions for the Duke of Edinburgh Award. 

 

"I will be pressing BT to review their plans for Llanthony and rectify gaps in the broadband mobile network, especially as they have recently bought mobile phone operator EE,” he added.

 

Vicky Neal, who runs Llanthony Priory Hotel with her husband Geoff, said it was becoming tougher to grow a business blighted by a poor web connection.

 

"Having the ability to place orders online, keep social media platforms updated and access internet banking saves time and makes for a more efficient workplace," she said. 

 

“Just because we happen to work in a rural community, we feel very strongly that in a world as fast-paced as the one we currently live in, we should have a fundamental right to the use of a reliable broadband service.

 

“The infrastructure to enable that to happen therefore needs to be put in place.”