By Oliver Walter, Head of Sales, Public Sector & Defence, Wifinity
The UK Government’s commitment to nationwide gigabit broadband and 5G coverage by 2030 is a crucial step toward ensuring every community has fast and reliable digital connectivity. In November, Secretary of State, Chris Bryant MP, wrote to UK councils urging them to prioritise the rollout of digital infrastructure led by local authority digital champions.
This is a welcome development. It will help unlock economic growth, enhance social inclusion and create smarter, more connected communities.
A Positive Step Toward National Digital Transformation
Of course, digital infrastructure is already deployed across our communities. However, as the Minister points out, the process is neither quick nor unbureaucratic. To accelerate their programmes, local authorities must reduce administrative and regulatory bottlenecks. This will pave the way for a smoother and more efficient network rollout and expansion.
The measures outlined—streamlining wayleave negotiations, offering non-exclusive agreements, and taking a flexible approach to street works—are practical and forward-thinking. They help prevent the traditional resource constraints and delays associated with telecoms deployment, ensuring that connectivity improves quickly.
Let’s Aim for Minimal Disruption. Maximum Connectivity
Wifinity has long been a leader in deploying digital infrastructure in highly regulated environments. Our experience in delivering connectivity solutions to operationally sensitive locations, such as the MOD, has let us perfect a low-impact deployment model that minimises disruption.
Our approach, developed through years of work in armed forces and government environments, is highly replicable for local authorities. We collaborate closely with stakeholders and ensure compliance with regulations to make digital infrastructure deployment seamless.
Experience in Wayleave Agreements
The Government’s focus on early engagement and non-exclusive wayleaves is also important to overcoming historical roadblocks in broadband deployment. At Wifinity, we are highly experienced in negotiating and holding public sector wayleaves, to efficiently deliver connectivity to complex environments.
We welcome simplifying the wayleave process. Collaborative relationships between councils and telecom providers can accelerate broadband rollout without unnecessary delays, paving the way for improved digital access in their communities.
Supporting Digital Champions to Deliver Local Broadband Programmes
The Minister recommends that local authorities appoint digital champions to drive digital transformation by putting connectivity at the centre of local strategic planning.
Wifinity is well positioned to support these digital champions in implementing streamlined processes and overcoming deployment challenges. We can provide guidance, technical expertise and strategies to help councils navigate broadband expansion.
Partnering for a Connected Future
The call to action from the Government is clear. Local authorities play an active role in supporting digital infrastructure deployment. By adopting best practices, embracing flexibility and fostering collaboration, councils can help accelerate the UK’s digital transformation.
Wifinity is ready to be a trusted partner in this journey. Contact oliver.walter@wifinity.co.uk for more information.