By Oliver Walter, Head of Sales, Public Sector & Defence, Wifinity
Local Authority Digital Champions are set to play a pivotal role in the UK Government’s plan to deliver gigabit internet and 5G coverage by 2030. In November, Secretary of State Chris Bryant MP wrote directly to UK councils, urging them to lead on digital infrastructure rollout and put connectivity at the heart of local strategic planning.
This is a welcome step. It will help boost economic growth, bring more people into society, and create smarter, better connected communities..
How Local Authority Digital Champions Are Driving National Digital Transformation
Currently, digital infrastructure is already in place across our communities. However, as the Minister points out, the process is neither quick nor simple. To speed things up, local authorities must reduce administrative and regulatory delays. This will pave the way for a smoother and more efficient network rollout and expansion.
The measures suggested, streamlining wayleave negotiations, offering shared agreements, and taking a flexible approach to street works, are practical and modern. As a result, they help prevent the traditional resource constraints and delays linked to building digital networks, ultimately helping communities access the internet more quickly.
Let’s Aim for Minimal Disruption. Maximum Connectivity
Over the years, Wifinity has built a strong track record in delivering digital infrastructure in highly controlled environments. As a result, our experience in providing internet solutions to sensitive locations, such as the MOD, has allowed us to perfect a deployment model that that reduces disturbance.
Our approach, developed through years of work in armed forces and government environments, can easily be repeated for local authorities. We work closely with partners and ensure compliance with regulations to make digital infrastructure deployment smooth.
Supporting Local Authority Digital Infrastructure: Our Wayleave Experience
The Government’s focus on early talks and shared access rights is also important to removing historical barriers in internet rollout. In line with this, Wifinity brings extensive experience in arranging and managing public sector access rights, to efficiently deliver internet to complex environments.
We welcome making the access process easier. Indeed, collaborative relationships between councils and telecom providers can significantly speed up rollout, paving the way for improved digital access across communities.
Supporting Digital Champions to Deliver Local Broadband Programmes
Similarly, The Minister recommends that local authorities appoint digital champions to drive digital transformation by putting internet access at the centre of local strategic planning.
With this in mind, Wifinity is well placed to support these digital champions in implementing streamlined processes and overcoming rollout challenges. We can provide guidance, technical expertise and strategies to help councils expand internet sevices.
Partnering for a Connected Future
The call to action from the Government is clear. Local authorities play an active role in building digital networks. By adopting best practices, being flexible and building collaboration, councils can therefore 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.