Rural Digital Connectivity

In an increasingly digital world, the lack of robust digital infrastructure in rural areas severely limits access to crucial services and stifles economic growth.

Hot Topics

27 Apr 2020

Despite a strong community spirit, COVID-19 is exposing real challenges in our rural areas

Philip Dunne MP (Con) has written an article for Politics Home, arguing that due to factors such as a concentration of jobs in key employers as well as a lack...

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27 Apr 2020

Slow rural internet speeds ‘adding hours to working day’ during lockdown

ITV reports that added strain on internet services during the lockdown is providing challenges and frustration in some rural areas As many more people are working and studying from home,...

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20 Apr 2020

Rural Mobile Coverage – The Shared Rural Network

The Rural Services Network believes that a Digitally Connected countryside is vital for the future of rural communities and the growth of the Rural Economy. Improving digital connectivity (both fixed...

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20 Apr 2020

Government announces major package to support online learning

The Government announced plans on 19th April to support online learning by providing disadvantaged children across England with laptops and tablets as part of a push to make remote education...

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14 Apr 2020

#LevelUp FE – Remote learning offers an opportunity for rural FE colleges

The final article in Rural Services Network (RSN) chief executive Graham Biggs and Young Somerset chief executive Nik Harwood’s mini-series for Further Education News reported this week on how the...

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30 Mar 2020

Broadband and the road to 5G inquiry

MPs have launched an inquiry into Broadband and road to 5G to examine Government’s pledge to ensure every home and business in the UK has gigabit-capable broadband by 2025 The...

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23 Mar 2020

The Broadband USO formally comes into force

Every home and business in the UK has the legal right to request a decent, affordable broadband connection From 20 March 2020, if you can’t get a download speed of...

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23 Mar 2020

Ofcom announce measuring compliance with the Shared Rural Network

ISPreview has covered Ofcom’s announcement of more details about the new £1 billion Shared Rural Network (SRN), which aims to extend UK geographic 4G mobile coverage to 95 per cent...

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16 Mar 2020

Budget: Government pledges billions to improve rural broadband and 4G

MailOnline reports in their money section, ThisIsMoney, that households in rural areas of Britain have been promised better internet speeds as the Government pledged £5 billion towards providing fast broadband...

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16 Mar 2020

UK mobile operators sign £1bn deal to share 4G infrastructure

On Monday, the BBC reported that ministers have signed a £1 billion deal with EE, O2, Three and Vodafone to eliminate dead signal zones in rural and remote areas Mobile...

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