The Digital Communications Knowledge Transfer Network (DCKTN) is to host a debate on the future of broadband services in Wales next week.

Alongside BT and Cardiff City Council, the organisation will host a discussion of key industry issues at BT Cardiff International Data Centre on March 24th.

DCKTN says the event is designed to allow stakeholders to have their say on the development of broadband services in the principality - a highly topical issue at present.

While BT is rolling out 40Mb fibre-to-the-cabinet services in the capital and Taffs Well, the Federation of Small Businesses has raised concerns about the quality of broadband services in rural areas.

Commenting on next Wednesday's event, a DCKTN spokesperson stated: "Whether a provider or potential user of this new level of broadband service, we would very much welcome your views.

"With 73 per cent of people now feeling that broadband is as important a utility as electricity or water, the views of users about future services are important."

On March 1st, an equivalent debate was staged at the University of Surrey, London, where broadband consumers from the south-east were invited to have their say on the industry.