Poor broadband connection in rural communities making working from home 'difficult'

As many people are expected to continue working from home, it's not a welcome prospect for many those in rural communities who are struggling with poor broadband connections.

Former Wales rugby player, Andrew Lewis, has had to travel to Cardiff from Brecon Beacons for his job because his broadband is so slow.

Since retiring from the sport he has become an investments manager, but it has come at a cost.

"We get upload speeds of barely half a megabyte at a time, and our systems just won't work on that basis. So I've had to trundle into the office! And it's quite a lonely place on your own there, but it's definitely social distancing because I'm the only person there," he said.

Andrew's not the only person experiencing slow internet speeds in the Welsh countryside.

Sarah Jones from Llangadog has been struggling to occupy her two sons in lockdown. The poor internet connection means it is difficult for them to have lessons online or even send emails.

"The homeschooling has meant that we need fast internet for downloading the boys' teachers' videos, as well as uploading their work. And then when they're not having school, then they're having to entertain themselves because I'm very fortunate that I'm still working. And that means they're on their games consoles."

The UK and Welsh Governments say they've spent millions on superfast broadband and that 95% of Wales is receiving it.

The Future Generations Commissioner, Sophie Howe said it isn't good enough as more people work from home.

"It wasn't good enough prior to the pandemic, and with the huge increase in working from home and the challenges that we're going to see with the economy post-pandemic, it certainly isn't good enough.''

Watch Hannah Thomas' piece below: