Residents in the small Welsh village of Llangwm are facing severe connectivity challenges with no mobile reception, unreliable broadband, and frequent landline dropouts. Located just a short drive from Cardiff and Newport, Llangwm is struggling to stay connected in the modern world of super-fast broadband and phone connections. The lack of phone signal and poor broadband connectivity has left residents feeling isolated and frustrated.
Jenny Wells, an online teacher in the village, has had to cancel many of her classes due to the connectivity issues. She describes the situation as “awful” and highlights the difficulties of not being able to carry out essential tasks such as online banking or paying bills. Jenny recounts instances where she had to relocate to places with better connectivity to continue her work effectively.
The unreliable Wi-Fi in the village has prompted residents to explore multiple options, including subscribing to more than one internet provider in a desperate attempt to stay connected. Despite efforts to improve connectivity, residents like Jenny and her neighbours continue to struggle with subpar services and frequent disconnections.
Local authorities and residents have raised concerns about the inadequate digital infrastructure in the village and the impact it has on daily life. Cllr John Watkins from the village community council emphasises the importance of reliable connectivity for residents who rely on it for their livelihoods. The ongoing connectivity issues have led to significant challenges for residents in accessing essential services and conducting day-to-day tasks.
Efforts to address the connectivity issues in Llangwm have been met with limited success, with residents expressing their frustrations at the lack of a reliable solution. The Welsh Government, despite not having devolved powers over telecommunications, has been working on initiatives to improve digital connectivity across Wales. However, residents in Llangwm are still left grappling with poor connectivity and a sense of isolation.
As the UK Government aims to deliver full-fibre broadband to 85% of properties by 2025, residents in Llangwm are hopeful for improvements in their digital infrastructure. With ongoing discussions at both the local and national level, residents are optimistic that their connectivity challenges will be addressed in the near future. In the meantime, they continue to navigate daily life with limited access to essential services and unreliable communication networks.