Rural communities shouldn’t have to settle for poor mobile service.
Our Oxfordshire Digital Infrastructure Programme team recently attended Mobile for All at Newnham College, Cambridge, with industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators came together to tackle one big question: how can 4G Long Term Evolution and 5G truly connect rural communities?
While cities enjoy ultra-fast mobile service, rural areas often face persistent connectivity gaps. The barriers are clear:
- Limited trust in local authority data and knowledge of not-spots
- Access to power in very remote locations
- Agreeing on the right technical solution
- Securing sustainable funding
What’s needed to move forward:
- Local authorities interrogating root causes of not-spots and identifying practical fixes for MNOs
- Creating space for collaboration between councils and industry
- Establishing governance and delivery discipline
- Maintaining transparency to build trust
This isn’t just about coverage—it’s about meaningful connectivity that supports communities, businesses, and transport. By working together, we can deliver practical, environmentally sensitive solutions that make rural connectivity a reality.
Find out more about how we’re enhancing connectivity in Oxfordshire: Projects | Digital Infrastructure Oxfordshire