Rural Connectivity In Focus

RSN Member Exclusive Seminar: Rural Connectivity

Wednesday 25 February 2026 | 11:00–13:00 | Online

Our next member-exclusive seminar will focus on Rural Connectivity, bringing together national policymakers, industry experts and local practitioners to explore how digital infrastructure, services and innovation can better serve rural communities.

Reliable digital and mobile connectivity underpins access to public services, economic opportunity, healthcare, education and community life. Yet persistent gaps in coverage, affordability and digital inclusion continue to hold many rural areas back. This seminar will examine how these challenges are being addressed in practice and where further action is still needed through policy, technology and local delivery.

The session will open with an overview of the rural connectivity landscape, followed by expert insights from across national policy, the telecoms sector and local government. It will explore parliamentary and policy perspectives on digital inclusion, practical delivery issues such as the PSTN switch-off, and how councils are using digital and AI-enabled tools to improve access and resilience, with opportunities for members to share challenges and good practice from across rural England.

	Archie Ratcliffe Head of Public Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement, Local Government Association Archie is the interim head of LGA’s public affairs team and oversees the delivery of the LGA’s engagement with Parliament and corporate stakeholders. He also provides the secretariat to the Digital Communities APPG. Archie joined the LGA in December 2023, having previously worked at the Federation of Small Businesses and public affairs consultancy JBP.
	Sodhi Dhillon Engagement Manager, BT Digital Voice Sodhi is an experienced Telecoms professional with over 30 years of wide-ranging experience within the industry. He has a background in electronics and data communications enabling him to be well placed to help drive BT’s transformation to all IP. Graduating from Kingston University with a degree in Electronics and Business he started his career developing payphones to use smartcard technology for a cashless society well before smartphones even existed. Whilst at BT he has worked in a variety of roles developing world class products and solutions for both consumer and business customers.
	Sonia Constant Digital Service Manager, South Cambridgeshire District Council Sonia Constant is the Digital Service Manager at South Cambridgeshire District Council, leading digital transformation across services. She has extensive experience delivering public sector projects, from AI-powered customer interaction tools to a 24/7 self-service portal and automated eForms. Sonia has driven efficiency, accessibility, and innovation. Passionate about service design and user experience, she brings vision, collaboration, and a strong delivery focus to all she leads.

Why attend?

RSN member-exclusive seminars are interactive, discussion-led sessions designed to support shared learning across sectors. They are not recorded, creating a trusted space for open conversation, questions and peer exchange.

Members are encouraged to share the seminar details with colleagues who have a professional interest in rural connectivity and digital inclusion.

Seminar attendance is free for RSN members, who can book their place here.

The full RSN seminar programme for the year, including details of all upcoming sessions can be found here. All seminars are now open for booking. Secure your place and join the conversation.