The RSN hosted our Rural Connectivity Seminar last week, focusing on addressing the significant digital disparities affecting rural communities across the country. This event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including experts, policymakers, and local initiative leaders, to discuss and devise solutions for enhanced digital infrastructure in rural areas.

The seminar was initiated Kerry Booth, Chief Executive of the RSN, who highlighted the uneven distribution of funding between rural and urban councils. This disparity stresses the urgent need for targeted investments to improve digital connectivity in rural areas, which is vital for accessing essential services and supporting local economies.

Significant portions of the seminar were dedicated to presenting and discussing innovative local initiatives that have shown promising results in bridging the digital divide. Presentations by Matt Smith from the River Severn Partnership and George Gibson from Streetwave provided insights into their pioneering mobile coverage study. This study, which involved the largest independent survey of its kind in the UK, revealed a stark contrast between reported coverage and actual user experiences in rural areas, highlighting the necessity for accurate connectivity data.

The Gloucestershire Rural Community Council (GRCC) shared their hands-on approach to digital inclusion, focusing on hyper-local support that directly addresses the needs of rural residents, from tech tutorials to connectivity support. These grassroots efforts are crucial in making digital technology accessible and useful for all community members.

Future Collaborations and Member Engagement

The seminar highlighted the potential for collaborative solutions involving various stakeholders, including local authorities, government bodies, and service providers. By combining forces, there is a greater chance of developing sustainable strategies that not only address current disparities but are also adaptable to future technological advancements and challenges.

RSN members have exclusive access to seminars like these, which are vital for staying informed, networking, and influencing policy. We encourage all members to take advantage of these opportunities to engage with sector leaders and contribute to shaping the future for rural communities.

For more information on our upcoming events visit our seminar programme page HERE.