A new report advises that digital champions could help support councils tackle digital exclusion and help improve the rollout of fast broadband across the UK.
The Digital Connectivity Forum (DCF) said that the implementation of gigabit-capable broadband and 5G connectivity has exhibited "inconsistencies" across various sectors, including industry, local governments, and the national government in the UK.
Produced by FarrPoint, the report also called for more collaboration and consistency between local authorities and the telecoms industry in order to make much-needed improvements to digital inclusivity.
Alex Mather, head of the Digital Connectivity Forum, said: “Much positive work has taken place, particularly in the terms of legislative changes, over recent years to reduce barriers to the deployment of high-speed fixed and mobile connectivity. This has resulted in real benefits to UK economy and society, with over 70% of homes across the UK having access to gigabit-capable broadband.
“However, as this report highlights, challenges remain at a local level especially regarding poor communications and collaboration between local authorities and network builders. This is resulting in high levels of variation between local authority areas in terms of their rollout of both fixed and mobile digital infrastructure.”
Responding to the report, Cllr Mark Hawthorne, the Local Government Association (LGA) digital connectivity spokesperson, said: “We have been calling for a local digital champion in every local area, to act as a central point of contact to help extend gigabit-capable broadband and mobile coverage across the country as quickly as possible.
“Given the right funding and opportunity to work in partnership with Government and providers, councils can play a far greater role targeting communities most in need, driving up demand and providing digital upskilling to support the rollout.”
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