AN MP has urged Anglesey residents to report their broadband speeds so that funding can be earmarked to improve connectivity on the island.

Virginia Crosibie, MP for Ynys Môn, is working with a project group led by Bangor University and wants funding from the Welsh Government’s Local Broadband Fund and the UK Government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to fund better internet speeds.

But the group needs real-life information about how good or bad speeds are on Anglesey for homes and businesses so it can build an accurate picture of the challenges.

The results will then be mapped across the island to establish those areas most at need.

“Like in many rural areas across the UK, broadband speeds on Anglesey are often not good enough and we need to see them improve,” said Mrs Crosbie. “The Welsh and UK governments have funding available to address slow speeds but we must have an accurate picture of the challenges to ensure investment goes to the right places to make the maximum difference.

“Good broadband is now a vital utility. Without it, residents will struggle to work from home, schoolchildren will struggle to complete homework and businesses will struggle to compete. Companies will also think twice about coming to Anglesey without this infrastructure.

“The EDC Project Team has brought together experts to look at broadband provision on Anglesey but there is a gap in their knowledge between what the provision should be in theory and what it actually is on the ground.

“I would encourage everyone on the island to submit their information so that it can be used to map the current position and form part of the funding business case.

“I also met with the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the Rt Hon Oliver Dowden MP, this week to raise my concerns about broadband on Anglesey and highlight the importance of funding for this project.”

Peter Curnow-Ford, of the EDC Project Team, said: “We know that Anglesey is not receiving the broadband coverage or quality that it deserves and we are hopeful that as a team we will be able to address some of the issues through the funding options currently available.

“We are grateful to Virginia for her support in gathering this critical information to make our bid more robust.”