Vodafone UK: Why we need to address the rural digital divide in Scotland
Better connectivity brings so many benefits, from making simple things like online banking easier, to life-changing decisions like starting your own business. However, not everyone in Britain has equal access to a reliable phone signal or fast internet connection. As everyday life increasingly moves online, the divide between the digital haves and have-nots is becoming ever more stark.
Recently, we commissioned a study – ‘Connecting the Countryside’– which revealed a significant digital divide between urban and rural areas, with some parts of Scotland among the worst performing places in Britain. In fact, two-fifths (42%) of Scotland’s rural areas can’t currently access 5G.
Worryingly, it also highlighted that 5G not spots are more likely to be in deprived rural areas. Across Britain, nearly half (46%) of rural deprived communities don’t have access to 5G, compared to just 2.7% of similar urban areas. This equates to almost a million (838,000) people.
We want to bridge these divisions and ensure everyone has access to fast and reliable internet access, wherever they live.
That’s because 5G can play a major role in supporting communities, particularly in rural areas. 5G sensors enable farmers to monitor crops more efficiently, increasing yields. Virtual classrooms provide specialist long-distance learning opportunities for students in remote locations, and 5G-enabled drones deliver critical medicines to the most hard-to-reach areas in just 15 minutes. There are myriad opportunities to make a difference. But because of the digital divide, thousands of people are currently missing out.
5G can drive societal transformation, so we must work harder to ensure everyone in Britain can enjoy its benefits. The nationwide 5G rollout should be treated as a matter of urgency if we are to continue to narrow – rather than widen – the digital divide.
At Vodafone, we’ve already radically reduced the number of mobile not-spots thanks to one of the industry’s largest ever investment programmes in 4G. We’ve donated tens of thousands of phones and SIMs to those who need it most while working with our charity partners to help businesses and communities learn new digital skills. It’s meant we’ve donated connectivity to over one million people so far and is all part of our plan to help a total of 4 million people and businesses cross the digital divide by the end of 2025.
But we want to go further. No amount of device donations, SIM cards or free data can fully bridge the digital divide if we don’t have a truly nationwide 5G network connecting those hardest-to-reach communities, driving societal transformation and enabling people to learn new skills.
That’s why we’ve pledged to invest £11 billion to deliver 5G Standalone coverage to 99% of the UK population by 2034, as part of our proposed merger with Three UK. By combining our networks, we would remove 25% of not-spots across the country from day one, with customers immediately benefiting from an enlarged, improved network.
Today, both companies are sub-scale, putting our ability to invest at risk. But together we would be able to create in a best-in-class 5G network, which supercharges communities up and down the country – including rural areas of Scotland.
We’re passionate about creating a digital society that provides opportunities to everyone – regardless of where you live.
Ahmed Essam is the CEO of Vodafone UK. Find out more at www.vodafone.co.uk