Digital connectivity is an essential element of modern society and, as we look to the future, it is difficult to imagine any scenario where it will not be central to our vision and ambitions for what will come.

Looking forward, digital connectivity, underpinned by mobile connectivity, and the step change that will come with 5G, will become ever more crucial. This means that:

• Social care will be transformed
• Local councils’ own digital transformation strategies will improve service provision and access to public services, and
• The Government’s own ambitions to level up will be built on the availability of world class connectivity

What is the issue?

The UK Government views digital connectivity as vital for the nation’s prospects. It has set a target of delivering 5G to the majority of the population by 2027. In turn, it is proposing changes to laws which will help speed up network deployment and increase coverage, which, according to a new survey by Cluttons and YouGov, are supported by 63% of MPs to speed up gigabit rollout. At a local level the report suggests 63% of councillors agree that nationwide rollout of broadband and 5G is vital to levelling up the UK and 77% support further infrastructure and equipment being rolled out.

A localised problem?

While digital connectivity is widely supported and encouraged it is not often fully understood. Where it is acknowledged, funding shortfalls mean that it is seldom prioritised.

With strained resources and often a lack of a nominated coordinator with relevant expertise councils are often not set up to undertake effective digital strategies or build relationships with telecoms providers. Indeed, the report found that less than a quarter of councillors believe their local authorities’ relationship with telecommunications providers is effective and only 32% believe enough is being done to help smooth the way for rollout of telecommunications infrastructure and equipment in the local area.

‘Digital first’ local authorities lead the way

There are clear signs that some councils are taking a proactive role to mobile connectivity, making it a priority in places such as the West Midlands, Greater Manchester, Glasgow City and Sunderland. According to the Cluttons/You Gov report, these initiatives are having transformative effect. It found that the local authorities that have a strategy for digital development in place are:

• Three times more likely to agree promoting and improving digital connectivity is a priority
• Four times more likely to say their local authority’s relationship with Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure Providers, when it comes to rolling out telecommunications infrastructure and equipment, is effective
• Four times more likely to say their local authority is doing enough to smooth the way for the rollout of telecommunications infrastructure and equipment

What needs to be done?

Digital Champions, with the right funding and skillset, are vital to building understanding and coordination within local authorities and within the industry. Now it is time that the Government considers how to put the right funding, skills, and people in place to ensure that other councils up and down the country can follow suit.

If we are to fully benefit from the transformative benefits of a digitally connected world it is crucial the rights tools are in place. Proactive local authorities have shown what can be done with digital champions, digital teams, and digital first strategies. Now it is time that the Government considers how to put the right finding, skills, and people in place to ensure that other councils up and down the country can follow suit.