As BT prepares to switch off the analogue telephone network in 2025, the team has been working with the Digital Voice Advisory Group which RSN Chief Executive, Kerry Booth attends, on the impact this will have for rural communities who have limited coverage for both mobile and internet services.

Kerry Booth says:

“I’ve really welcomed the opportunity to work with the team at BT to ensure rural communities aren’t overlooked in this transition.  BT has listened to all our concerns and has offered proactive solutions to ensure no one is left behind in the switch over.

The issue of coverage is also a topic we expect covered by SWS Broadband, who are actively addressing the problem in places like Rural Shropshire.  A recent report showed that 1.5 million households in the UK access the internet at home via a mobile rather than a broadband connection.  Furthermore, 6% of UK homes now have no access to the internet at all.

Kerry Booth says most Government plans hinge on better mobile and broadband coverage in rural areas:

“We heard recently about the Government’s Long Term Workforce Plan for the NHS. It talks about 'harnessing digital and technological innovations'. In fact, the word digital appears in the plan 117 times.  That is brilliant and we should be looking to technology to work more smartly.  But only if there is a level playing field and that starts with everyone having access to super-fast broadband now.  Incidentally, the word rural only appears 4 times, and there are no clear actions attached to the mentions but that is a conversation for another day.

Meanwhile, we are hoping to hear more about how Northern Powergrid is tackling the Net Zero deadline. Kerry says she is hoping to learn more about how the company is supporting rural communities:

“Northern Powergrid is committed to ensuring our rural areas get the services they need.  For example, its free Priority Services Membership offers extra support for vulnerable customers during a power cut, including customer support vehicles, hot food and, in extreme cases, generator provision.  It also offers extra communications support such as text relay, text messaging and British Sign Language video interpreting.  This scheme is a great example of making sure our rural communities are getting the service they need.”

Finally, we are delighted to say that the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE) is also supporting us this year.  Co-Director, Professor Stephen Roper, will be joining our discussion on the Rural Economy and Levelling-Up and Regeneration, something Kerry is looking forward to:

“NICRE has been very vocal on the potential of rural areas and how unlocking this economy through targeted policies could revolutionise the UK’s finances. We are expecting this to be a lively debate!”