Watered-down connectivity targets ’cause for concern’ as digital capabilities underpin Levelling Up agenda

On this episode of Tech Talk Radio, head of content Emily Wright is joined by Cluttons head of research Sophy Moffat to explore the implications of a gradual "watering down" of connectivity targets at government level. 

Following the release of the much anticipated Levelling Up white paper earlier this month, it has been noted that while connectivity and technology underpin much of the social advancements outlined within it, there is little focus on improvements to the technology itself. 

In fact, says Moffat, the opposite is arguably true. "In the 2019 election manifesto from the Johnson government we had a pledge of 100% Gigabit connectivity to all UK premises by 2025," she says. "Later, in the November 2020 spending review we were told 80-85% of premises covered by 2025. Now, in the Levelling Up white paper, the most recent iteration of targets, we were told we would have nationwide access to Gigabit connectivity by 2030 and that the majority of the population will have 5G access by then. That’s added five years onto the Gigabit target and a good three years on to the target for 5G coverage. That’s where our concern comes from."

On this podcast Moffat explores some of the actions and steps the property industry and local authorities across the UK can take to tackle this issue from raising awareness to supporting the appointment of digital champions at local authority level.

"The sector needs to raise awareness around the fact that many crucial technologies will only be supported with 5G and Gigabit internet in place. Our research also shows that local authorities with digital champions in place and good digital strategies were much more likely to have an effective relationship with digital infrastructure providers and operators. The problem is that less than half of them actually have one in place."

For more on how real estate can, and should, tackle the watering down of connectivity targets and the impact this apparent step down on initial goals could have on the Levelling Up agenda more widely, tune in to this episode of Tech Talk Radio.