William Eichler 18 July 2023

Digital champions important for broadband ‘consistency’

Digital champions important for broadband ‘consistency’ image
Image: Proxima Studio / Shutterstock.com.

The Government should consider requiring councils to have a digital champion to help improve the UK’s rollout of fast broadband, a new study has concluded.

The latest report for the Digital Connectivity Forum (DCF), the leading advisory body to the Government on connectivity, said that the rollout of gigabit-capable broadband and 5G connectivity has been ‘inconsistent’ across industry, local and national governments in the UK.

It found that where good practice existed it was because of ‘a clear vision, senior buy-in, dedicated resources, clear and consistent policies and processes, and proactive engagement.’

Produced by the the consultancy FarrPoint, the report concluded that the rollout of fast broadband would be improved by better communication and more collaboration and consistency between local authorities and the telecoms industry.

As well as calling for local digital champions, the study urged councils to embrace flexible permitting and to work with the telecoms industry to educate planning authorities on the technical requirements of 5G and gigabit-capable broadband infrastructure.

It also recommended that the Government review planning processes in relation to pre-planning guidance and analyse fees being applied by planning authorities to ensure that digital infrastructure deployment is not held back.

Alex Mather, head of the Digital Connectivity Forum, said: ‘Much positive work has taken place, particularly in the terms of legislative changes, over recent years to reduce barriers to the deployment of high-speed fixed and mobile connectivity. This has resulted in real benefits to UK economy and society, with over 70% of homes across the UK having access to gigabit-capable broadband.

‘However, as this report highlights, challenges remain at a local level especially regarding poor communications and collaboration between local authorities and network builders. This is resulting in high levels of variation between local authority areas in terms of their rollout of both fixed and mobile digital infrastructure.’

Responding to the report, Cllr Mark Hawthorne, the Local Government Association (LGA) digital connectivity spokesperson, said: ‘We have been calling for a local digital champion in every local area, to act as a central point of contact to help extend gigabit-capable broadband and mobile coverage across the country as quickly as possible.

‘Given the right funding and opportunity to work in partnership with Government and providers, councils can play a far greater role targeting communities most in need, driving up demand and providing digital upskilling to support the rollout.’

If this article was of interest, then check out our feature, 'The coming digital shift'.

Making payment processes smarter  image

Making payment processes smarter

It can be challenging to find the right software to streamline payment processes. Lewis McKenna-Crisp argues SmarterPay has the ideal solution for councils.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Public Health

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Up to £131,210
The Public Health department is at the heart of the council’s business. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Head of Regeneration and Growth

Plymouth City Council
£68,387 - £74,411 (MFS and relocation available, pay award pending)
This is a unique opportunity to lead our award-winning development team and directly deliver hundreds of millions of pounds of projects. Plymouth, Devon
Recuriter: Plymouth City Council

Director of Adult Social Care

Wiltshire Council
£119,390 - £127,137
Join us as the Director of Adult Social Care and make a real difference to people’s lives. Wiltshire
Recuriter: Wiltshire Council

Assistant Director Planning, Performance & Engagement

East Sussex County Council
up to £97,700
With strong local communities, unspoilt countryside and vibrant coastal towns, East Sussex offers an exceptional quality of life to many. East Sussex
Recuriter: East Sussex County Council

Director of Finance & Commerce

Lancashire County Council
Up to £114,339
You will play a critical role in driving the organisation through complex change and innovation. Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council
Linkedin Banner