Levels of broadband connectivity in the Powys area of Wales have been slammed by a county councillor.

Richard Noyce, chair of Powys Council's economic and social development committee, said that access to broadband in the area was "unacceptably low" and that this could hamper local businesses, BBC Online reports.

The problem is part of a wider malaise throughout rural parts of Wales, and should be investigated by the Welsh Assembly, Mr Noyce added.

He said: "While there are areas where the provision is adequate or good, there are still too many rural areas in which the provision is of an unacceptably low standard.

"This disparity of provision, taken together with the continuing concerns being raised about the actual speed of broadband provision, is of major concern to the economic and social development committee."

Responding to Mr Noyce's claims, BT said that all of Wales phone exchanges are broadband-enabled and that only one per cent of the population cannot access broadband services.