The TFL Group, a wireless broadband ISP ( Wi-Fi , WiMAX ) that operates around west and southern Wales (UK), has accused BT of providing "astronomical quotations" for the installation of slow and inadequate fixed line broadband services to local businesses. BT has refused to comment.

According to TFL, one local business was quoted £25,000 to install a BT line that could deliver an internet connection speed of just 0.5Mbps (512Kbps). Naturally TFL claims to have supplied the same firm with a "high-speed" wireless service for 80% less than BT's quote and they state that this can be done elsewhere too.

TFL's wireless service originates in Swansea, where a sub-surface fibre link is carried above ground via the operator's privately-owned wireless tower infrastructure. As a result the provider claims that it can provide telecommunications services to "practically any location within the mid and west" of the country.


TFL estimates that businesses in South West Wales have collectively saved in excess of £3 million through being able to get online via their wireless broadband services. But it's not just a business solution and consumer services are also available.

Last November 2011 the Welsh Government approved a plan that would see TFL's Wireless Network being used in several "large community driven broadband projects", such as in the rural parish of Llanddewi Velfrey and St. Davids.

The consumer service, which can deliver wireless download speeds of 10Mbps (4Mbps upload), is also available in various parts of Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Powys and Pembrokeshire.