Many UK cities are falling behind national and global counterparts in capitalising on the social and economic opportunities offered by digital technology.
Cities need more powers and resources from Government to address digital divides – but also need to make better use of existing technology to transform public services.
This is according to a report published today (12 July) by the think tank Centre for Cities (supported by Telefónica UK). It examines how digital technology – in terms of both fixed and mobile connections – is transforming urban Britain, and the steps national and local leaders can take to ensure people and places across the country benefit.
However, the report also warns that many UK cities are not taking full advantage of existing digital connections, and the benefits it could offer to residents and businesses – as well as the potential it has to improve public services.
It highlights significant digital divides in many cities, as illustrated by the gap between availability of superfast broadband and take-up among households. The report argues that addressing these gaps will be crucial for cities to make the most of current connections, and forthcoming developments such as the planned rollout of full fibre and 5G technology in the coming years.
The report sets out a number of recommendations on how national and local leaders can support cities to take full advantage of existing digital connections, and to successfully deliver new and improved digital infrastructure in the coming years.
Making the most of existing digital connections:
Delivering new digital infrastructure in the coming years:
Commenting on the report findings, Andrew Carter, Chief Executive of Centre for Cities, said:
“The UK has invested significantly in becoming a global leader for digital infrastructure, but action is needed to ensure more people and businesses in cities across the country can benefit from this technology.
“Part of the problem is that cities need more powers and resources to address digital skills gaps in their communities. However, the onus is also on cities to learn from the innovations that some places are already pioneering, in using existing technology to transform public services.
“We also need a concerted effort from national and local leaders to ensure cities can provide the best possible built environment to deliver new digital infrastructure in the coming years, such as the rollout of full fibre and 5G.
“Other cities and countries across the world have ambitious plans to capitalise on digital technology – UK cities must do the same to compete with global counterparts as we leave the EU.”
Derek McManus, Chief Operating Officer at O2, said:
“5G will boost productivity and economic growth, so the government rightly wants the UK to be a leader and early adopter of this technology. If that ambition is to be fulfilled, major investment is needed to put in place additional digital infrastructure.
“National government needs to ensure that planning policy and related regulations support the provision of digital infrastructure as much as possible and do not hold back the rollout of 5G. Similarly, cities and civic leaders need to work with the mobile networks to enable the investment in infrastructure that will deliver 5G to businesses and consumers.
“This report correctly identifies that a collective and collaborative effort is required to convert the potential to reality and includes some practical steps that national and local policy makers can take to ensure the UK is indeed a leader in 5G. Government and cities must be bold in meeting the need to support the delivery of 5G technology as speedily and effectively as possible.”