Today the Live Better Connected podcast series continues as our Director of Communications and Policy is joined by mobile operator Three UK’s Chief Network Officer Iain Milligan in our latest episode. With a focus on rural connectivity and agriculture, Iain joins to offer some fascinating case studies, demonstrating the innovative ways connectivity is being used in remote locations across the UK.

Iain has been working within the telecoms industry for 19 years and has had an impressive journey working with Three. Initially starting his career in its call centre, progressing through different roles both from customer services, technical support and eventually through operations into his current role.  

During the episode Gareth and Iain discuss some interesting topics including the future of connectivity, the demand and use cases for connectivity in rural locations and the benefits of connectivity in areas even where there are no people.  

To close out Iain provides his perspective on how the process of deploying improved connectivity can be simplified. He explains that planning permissions should be easier to match the growing demand for connectivity. The current process is ‘fairly laborious’ and should be a straight forward opportunity to do the right thing for all.

Watch the latest episode available on our YouTube channel here and to keep up to date with Three UK’s latest case studies and news updates visit here.

Mobile UK is calling on UK government to embrace changes to the current planning system to avoid locking the nation into several more years of under delivery. Take a read of our Failing to Plan, Planning will fail report that seeks to uncover the barriers that exist within the planning system that hinder the roll-out of this critical national infrastructure.

To support the Better Connected Rural campaign, we have partnered with Good Things Foundation, DMSL and the mobile operators who will each be sharing content across social media platforms and websites. Be sure to follow our campaign hashtag #BetterConnectedRural across X and LinkedIn to keep up to date with our latest content.

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