Order, Order.

We turn now to a Motion Vote on WM118 in the name of Volt Cymru. The question is that this Parliament approves the Motion for the Devolution of Telecommunications and Wireless Telegraphy.

Motion for the Devolution of Telecommunications and Wireless Telegraphy

To Move– that the Senedd Cymru recognises

(1) That the plans for telecommunications privatisation in Westminster would have an adverse effect on rural communities in Cymru.

(2) That the Welsh Government does not support such moves without the proper consultation of the Senedd Cymru, considering the benefit of the free market access brought through the National Broadband Network.

(3) That the free market system of internet service providers serves Cymru well and a move towards private monopolies would jeopardise the economic wellbeing of the nation.

Therefore– the Senedd Cymru calls upon the Westminster Government to

(1) Devolve telecommunications and wireless telegraphy to Wales.

(2) Consult with the Senedd Cymru and the Welsh Government about proposals for telecommunications privatisation.

**Authored by Sir /u/model-kyosanto KD OM CT PC MS, Acting First Minister, on behalf of Volt Cymru and the Welsh Government.

Llywydd,

The proposal for telecommunications privatisation scares myself and the Welsh Government, who have benefited greatly from the free market access to telecommunications infrastructure bringing competition to our regions and rural communities.

We have now seen cheaper and more accessible internet access for a large proportion of Welsh communities, and the Westminster government is threatening to take this away, despite the obvious economic benefits that competition brings. We have seen more opportunities from online learning and upskilling, for individuals to work from home, letting them stay in their communities, more opportunities for online Welsh language communication. These are all the benefits of free market competition as it exists under the National Broadband Network. However Llywydd, those in Westminster are threatening to take away these benefits from us, and as such we must make our own moves to protect the internet access of our communities, and that can only be done through the devolution of telecommunications, and for us to operate our own broadband infrastructure operator.

Which is why I am calling upon the Siambr to stand with me in defence of free market competition, and the maintenance of such, against the grips of monopolisation that has been proposed by the Government. Welsh communities should be served by Welsh infrastructure, owned for the benefit of Wales, not a foreign company seeking to price gouge our own rural communities by being the sole operator and owner. This devolution does little in terms of actual impact to the running of the Welsh budget, or to our overall devolution structure, and will bring immense benefits to Wales. The cost has already been paid by the Government for this infrastructure to be nationalised, we merely need to take ownership of the operations within our borders, and deliver the necessary services to keep Wales running, to deliver economic growth, and encourage strong education.

I hope Llywydd that my friends and colleagues will be joining me in such an effort, and shall support this Motion to pass this Siambr.

Diolch yn fawr.

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Voting on this motion will end on Sunday 17th of September 10pm GMT