Mobile UK, the industry body for the UK’s Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), is calling for all newly elected local councillors to put digital policy and connectivity strategies for their localities high on their agenda as they start their new terms. 

Mobile connectivity, which is already fundamental to our daily lives, will play an increasingly important role in future-proofing the nation by serving communities and businesses and driving economic growth throughout the UK. Without connectivity, communities will find it more difficult to thrive, and digital inequality will increase leading to poorer economic and societal outcomes.

Councillors can support the deployment of vital technology for their areas and ensure people have access to reliable mobile connectivity today, and increased capacity for the future, by getting involved with Mobile UK’s Digital Champions campaign.

The campaign calls for the UK government to fund the role of a Digital Champion for every local authority to deliver a comprehensive programme which will assist the effective rollout of digital connectivity.

A Digital Champion is a person or team of decision-makers with the duty of coordinating mobile connectivity and infrastructure at a local level.

Commenting, Director of Policy and Communications for Mobile UK, Gareth Elliott said:

“We congratulate all newly and re-elected councillors in England’s local elections and are encouraging every councillor to actively support our ongoing campaign to fund and roll out local Digital Champions.

“We know councils with a Digital Champion are four times more likely to smooth the rollout of mobile infrastructure which is vital to maintaining and increasing connectivity for all our communities and strengthening digital inclusion.”

For more information on Mobile UK and the role of mobile connectivity councillors can visit Mobile UK’s website for further resources and information and subscribe to the ‘Connected’ newsletter.

Mobile UK is a member of the Rural Services Network.  You can find out more about them at this link.