CCN Dialogues: BT - Closing The Digital Divide
This report, produced with BT, explores the challenges faced by residents in accessing reliable, affordable and usable digital services.
Our Dialogues publications are a series of think pieces dedicated to specific subjects, supported by our partners.
This report, produced with BT, explores the challenges faced by residents in accessing reliable, affordable and usable digital services.
It highlights that digital connectivity has rapidly shifted from being desirable to an essential utility, particularly following the pandemic, which accelerated remote working, online learning and digital public services.
However, many rural and remote communities still face poor broadband and patchy mobile coverage, leaving them disadvantaged.
Affordability and digital literacy further widen the divide, with lower‑income households and older people disproportionately affected.
The report calls for strong, co-ordinated national and local leadership to ensure all residents can benefit from digital transformation.
Recommendations for local authorities include:
- Join up digital strategies with clear standards and consistent language.
- Strengthen partnership working across government and industry.
- Continuously review and update digital strategies.
- Support affordable access for all communities.
- Expand digital skills training and inclusion programmes.