The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted just how vital digital infrastructure is for the health of our economy.
While the current broadband network has managed to support existing needs, there is no guarantee that it will be able to continue to do so in the future.
The UK lags behind on full fibre coverage: only 19% of the UK is currently wired up to fibre to the premises, with London’s equivalent figure only slightly higher at 21%. In contrast, some Asian cities already have 100% coverage. Although there has been some steady progress on the rollout of digital infrastructure in London, the pressure the pandemic has added should not be underestimated.
Last year, we published a report on Enhancing Digital Connectivity, focusing on the role of operators and local authorities.
Following the recommendations set out in our report, the Gigabit Connectivity Network has now been launched to facilitate collaboration between the public and private sectors to promote faster rollout of full fibre and 5G technologies across the capital.
- The focus is now on achieving the Mayor of London and London Councils’ digital mission for London.
- The London Recovery Board is taking a missions-based approach to recovery from the pandemic, and the digital mission aims for “every Londoner to have access to good connectivity, basic digital skills and the device or support they need to be online by 2025”.
- We are working with the GLA and London Councils to ensure the Network actively supports achieving this critical ambition.
