Publications including ISPreview and IT Pro cover the findings of a new Rural England CIC report that shows many people in the country’s small towns and villages still face being “digitally excluded and locked out of key services” due to an “underinvestment in rural connectivity” such as broadband and mobile infrastructure, as well as skills

The report, State of Rural Services 2021: The Impact of the Pandemic, discusses that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of “digital-first lifestyles” across England’s rural areas and quickened the move away from in-person activity.

According to the report, one in six rural residents cannot access “superfast broadband” (30Mbps+) and over half cannot get an indoor 4G mobile connection on all four networks.

The report calls on the government to rural proof pandemic rebuild plans to ensure rural residents and businesses can recover following the pandemic.

Full articles:

ISPreview - Report Warns of Underinvestment in Rural Connectivity and Skills

IT Pro cover - Rural businesses face "digital exclusion" due to underinvestment in connectivity