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'.