We’re delighted to share that Oxfordshire County Council’s Digital Infrastructure Programme (DIP) team has been shortlisted in the Community Improvement category at this year’s Connected Britain Awards.
The nomination recognises the team’s work with the rural South Oxfordshire village of Ewelme, where fewer than 10% of premises had access to gigabit-capable broadband at the start of 2025 and no commercial rollout was planned.
Through trusted community engagement, technical advice and direct work with the supplier, the team helped secure a full-fibre rollout without using public capital funding. As a result, gigabit-capable coverage in Ewelme has increased from under 10% to more than 80%.
This means residents, local services and community facilities now have much more reliable access to online healthcare, education, work and everyday digital services — helping reduce the risk of digital exclusion in the village.
Connected Britain is the UK’s leading digital economy event, bringing together industry experts, innovators and policymakers to explore the future of connectivity, infrastructure and emerging technologies. Being shortlisted is a fantastic recognition of the team’s work and the difference it has made for a rural community.
View the full shortlist on the Connected Britain Awards website.
