We’re pleased to share that Oxfordshire County Council’s Digital Infrastructure Programme (DIP) team has been shortlisted for the MJ Community Engagement Award, recognising our work with the South Oxfordshire village of Ewelme.
The shortlist celebrates a project that helped transform digital connectivity in a rural community that had long faced poor broadband access and limited prospects for commercial investment. At the start of 2025, fewer than 10% of homes in Ewelme had access to gigabit-capable broadband, leaving residents at risk of digital exclusion.
Working closely with residents, the parish council and a telecoms supplier, the DIP team focused on early listening, transparency and trust. By walking routes with residents, responding in detail to concerns about planning, design and environmental impact, and providing clear explanations in a complex technical landscape, the team helped shape a solution that reflected local priorities.
Crucially, the team also worked behind the scenes to advocate for the village, successfully persuading a supplier to include Ewelme in its commercial build programme — unlocking a full fibre rollout that would not otherwise have happened.
The results have been significant. Gigabit-capable broadband coverage has increased to over 80% of premises, with strong early take-up from residents. The new full fibre network provides faster, more reliable and futureproof connectivity, supporting everyday life, local services and the long-term resilience of the community.
Being shortlisted for this award is a fantastic recognition of the DIP team’s commitment to meaningful community engagement and to ensuring that rural communities are not left behind in Oxfordshire’s digital future.
Judges’ Comments:
The achievements of this small team is exceptional. It is an exemplar project which has demonstrated the ability to bring digital access to rural communities.