2: Digital Infrastructure

Digital infrastructure is the backbone of Gloucestershire’s economy, public services, and social inclusion. It enables fast, reliable communication, supports innovation, and connects people to opportunities. Without it, businesses cannot adopt or develop digital technologies, and residents cannot fully participate in modern life.

We need to be explicit that infrastructure is, at its core, a commercial endeavour, with commercial companies bearing ultimate responsibility for its delivery, reliability, and long-term sustainability. However, as a council, we can play a vital role by working in partnership with these companies to stimulate investment and where necessary, we collaborate with the UK Government to provide targeted funding that makes infrastructure deployment viable in hard-to-reach communities.

The latest Digital Connectivity Survey by FarrPoint highlights that while many local authorities understand the importance of digital infrastructure, outdated strategies, data limitations, and funding gaps continue to hinder progress. Gloucestershire is determined not to be held back.

Businesses need infrastructure that is fast, reliable, and available where their employees work. Customers, too, rely on robust connectivity to access digital services. Digital infrastructure is the glue that binds Gloucestershire’s economy, linking businesses to one another, to consumers, and global markets.

But the value of digital connectivity goes far beyond economics. It combats isolation, supports well-being, and opens access to a limitless world of information and services. We cannot tackle digital exclusion without the proper infrastructure in place.

This strategy sets out Gloucestershire County Council’s commitment to supporting ongoing investment in both fixed and wireless broadband, including gigabit capable networks and the expansion of 5G.

These investments will address current coverage and capacity gaps, while unlocking innovation across key sectors, including healthcare, transportation, education, and the broader economy.

By modernising our digital infrastructure, we will build a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready county, one that is equipped not only to keep pace with change, but to lead it.

Improved digital connectivity across Gloucestershire will:

Support lifelong education
Develop skills for employment
Create meaningful community engagement
Access social network opportunities
Ensure online safety
Access health and social care
Provide social inclusion opportunities for those unable to attend face-to-face events
Help people manage finances and household bills
Enable people to benefiting from exclusive online deals
Provide access to local authority services
Open up the opportunities presented by using AI

Fixed Line Broadband

1) Fixed line broadband continues to be the primary digital infrastructure in the UK, providing most households and businesses with access to the internet. This infrastructure also supports and enables much of the UK’s mobile 4G and 5G mast cells.

2) While 98.7% of properties in Gloucestershire have access to a superfast (>30Mbps) connection, continuing the deployment of faster more reliable gigabit capable full fibre broadband across the county is essential for delivering long-term economic growth and ensuring our networks are not overwhelmed by the growth and demands of AI and streaming bandwidth that is expected in the next 5 years.

3) Gigabit capable and faster broadband is reshaping working patterns, enabling increased remote working, removing commute times, and boosting productivity including the increased use of AI. As the expectation for flexible working increases, high-speed internet access is essential to meet this demand. A Gloucestershire, with access to fast robust digital connectivity, will attract workers seeking a better work-life balance.

Wireless Broadband (Mobile coverage 4G & 5G)

4) Access to robust wireless networks improves everyday mobile applications, from streaming and gaming to video conferencing and telecare. Gloucestershire benefits from good 4G coverage provided by major network operators (MNOs) such as EE, Vodafone/Three and O2 covering most areas across the county. 5G coverage is expanding gradually, with providers like EE and Vodafone/Three deploying in select areas.

5) The capabilities of 4G and 5G are crucial for powering the Internet of Things (IoT) and supporting connected devices in industries, particularly Agri-tech. Additionally, mobile connectivity enhances user experiences at events, festivals, and attractions by enabling seamless internet access, interactive features, and efficient crowd management.

6) The 4G and 5G networks support telehealth services, which are vital for allowing people to remain at home for as long as possible. Telehealth services enable patients to receive medical consultations from the comfort of their homes, reducing the need for frequent visits to healthcare facilities.

7) Robust fixed line and mobile digital communication systems are essential during crises, allowing for swift coordination and response efforts. This ensures the county is well-prepared for emergencies, enabling timely communication and resource allocation, which can alleviate the impact of disasters on the community.

8) Enhanced digital connectivity has led to the growth of a whole range of different developments building on the Internet of Things (IoT) and increased access to AI. Smart places can transform how the private, public and VCSE sectors operate from improving Public Safety, optimising energy use and waste management, efficient transportation and resilient infrastructure.

9) However significant barriers still exist. To help address such barriers the county council will trial initiatives to support the extension of Smart Places in the county. By implementing Smart initiatives, we can use innovative technologies that enhance community living, such as AI-driven traffic management and waste systems. These initiatives will make Gloucestershire more appealing to businesses and residents alike.

Proposition:

To support and enable the delivery of a digitally connected Gloucestershire through the development of fixed line and wireless networks.

We will:

Collaborate with UK government’s subsidised gigabit delivery programme: Partner with Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) to facilitate the rollout of gigabit capable broadband across the county, under Project Gigabit
Extend access to gigabit capable broadband through grant funding: Develop a top-up fund to target those hardest to reach properties beyond BDUK’s subsidy limit
Encourage and support commercial investment: Work to attract and support commercial fixed line, mobile network and neutral host mast operators
Explore a grant scheme for alternative connectivity solutions: Where national or commercial programmes do not deliver adequate coverage, we will consider developing a grant scheme to support alternative approaches, such as Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite systems or Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), for properties beyond the reach of full fibre networks
Remove barriers to delivery: Leverage council-owned assets, such as land, buildings and street furniture to support digital infrastructure deployment
Facilitate telecoms investment through streamlined local processes: In line with the UK Government’s commitment to accelerating digital infrastructure deployment, we will work to simplify and align council procedures for commercial telecoms providers seeking to invest in Gloucestershire. This includes reducing administrative barriers and enabling faster, more coordinated access to local assets and permissions, supporting the national ambition for gigabit capable broadband and 5G connectivity across all communities
Attract inward investment to the county: Promote Gloucestershire’s fast and reliable digital infrastructure and highlight our commitment to supporting ongoing digital network enhancement, which will attract and support businesses that require high-speed connectivity, thereby driving job creation in digital sectors

Digital Inclusion