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A new report by Mobile UK, the industry body for the UK’s Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), has highlighted the growing digital divide between urban and rural areas. ‘From Exclusion to Inclusion - How mobile connectivity can further narrow...
The BBC reports that up to one million people cancelled their broadband in the last year because of the high cost of living, a survey by Citizens Advice suggests. Citizens Advice said its survey of 6,000 people suggested those...
The Rural Services Network has published its Rural Lens Review of the Wireless Infrastructure Strategy issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology last month. Rural Services Network’s thoughts on the UK Wireless Infrastructure Strategy are...
The Government has today (11 April ) launched its new Wireless Infrastructure Strategy (WIS) with an ambition 'to boost digital connectivity and put the UK at the forefront of future telecomes technologies.' The announcement continues: "Today’s announcement...
As featured in the Mirror newspaper - the Broadcast 2040+ campaign is stepping up its battle - and a petition by a leading pensioners' group has crossed the 10,000-signature milestone, forcing a response from the Government. Ministers are under...
Airband is a provider of rural broadband services and this year is working closely with the Rural Services Network. Founded in 2009, Airband is an independent internet service provider bringing high speed broadband to homes,...
The Government must guarantee access to Freeview and aerial radio beyond 2040 Unless the Government takes such action ahead of the World Radiocommunication Conference in November 2023 the spectrum of frequency allocated to Digital Terrestrial TV (Freeview) may be...
Independent internet provider Airband has brought access to ultrafast broadband to over 220,000 premises since its conception through wireless and fibre broadband solutions. Airband aims to offer high speed fixed fibre internet and a ‘no price hike’...
The BBC reports that thousands of rural Cornwall homes and businesses are in line for ultra-fast broadband connections Local provider Wildanet has been awarded £36m to roll out the gigabit-capable fibre network. Up to 19,250 homes and businesses...
Since the summer launch of Broadcast 2040+ , the campaign has gone from strength to strength. The campaign has expanded the coalition of partners (of which the Rural Services Network is one) and the message – the importance...
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Amid reduced public spending, fair resource allocation across regions is crucial. Despite a population larger than Greater London, rural areas receive significantly less funding for essential services, even though delivering these services in rural areas is more expensive.
Economic growth is widely acknowledged as essential for national wealth and prosperity and is a priority for political parties. Rural economies, employing millions and home to a higher proportion of small businesses, have potential for growth if barriers are removed.
Rural residents face distinct healthcare challenges, including limited access to transport, longer distances to medical facilities, an aging demographic, housing inadequacies, digital connectivity gaps, and difficulties recruiting health and care workers.
Rural communities are grappling with a severe affordable housing crisis, marked by high house prices, a lack of affordable housing, elevated living costs, and lower incomes, threatening their sustainability and vitality.
Transport is vital for the quality of life and economic health of rural areas, yet it faces challenges such as infrequent public bus services and less Government funding compared to urban regions.
Rural areas, encompassing a substantial portion of England's population and land, play a pivotal role in combating climate change and achieving the net zero target.
In an increasingly digital world, the lack of robust digital infrastructure in rural areas severely limits access to crucial services and stifles economic growth.
A future-focused vision for rural communities involves not just building the right homes in the right places but also ensuring thriving, sustainable communities.
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