Digital divide leaves countryside workers at a disadvantage

CLA Cymru has said that there is still much to be done to ensure everybody who lives and works in rural Wales has access to effective broadband and mobile connectivity.

The CLA, which represents landowners and rural businesses in Wales and England, said the release of the UK Government’s Digital Strategy was a first step in creating a world-class digital infrastructure.

CLA senior economics adviser Dr Charles Trotman said: “The UK Government has been talking about creating a world-leading digital infrastructure for some time now, and it is essential that this comes first in order for businesses, both rural and urban, to thrive.

“It is obvious that the rural-urban digital divide is still very much in existence and resolving this must be a priority. People are increasingly coming to rely on mobile devices and using technology on the go, and the digital divide puts rural areas at an unfair disadvantage.

“The Government has said it will commit to rolling out 5G coverage and the Welsh Government has its own strategy, but this is of no comfort for those who still have poor mobile coverage or no coverage at all. Without UK-wide infrastructure, the Government’s vision for their digital strategy will simply not work.

“The CLA has said on many occasions that the Universal Service Obligation will be crucial in providing much-needed connectivity... More must be done to see this completed by the 2020 deadline.

“However, the CLA fully supports the Secretary of State’s call for a sector deal and we will be discussing with the industry how to put formal proposals to Government to make this a reality. We believe that working in partnership with both industry and the Government is the best way to move forward in order to deliver a first-class digital infrastructure.”