Our #Talking5G series welcomes Sophy Moffat, Head of Insight & Research at Cluttons, strategic property consultants for the infrastructure and telecoms industry.

Partnering with YouGov, Cluttons published the ‘Connecting The UK’ report. Findings in this report highlight the need for local authorities to prioritise mobile connectivity and engage with telecoms and infrastructure providers.

Key findings from the Connecting The UK report state:

• Less than half (45%) of councillors say their local authority has a digital infrastructure strategy in place  
• Less than a third (31%) of councillors say that their local authority has assigned a role of Digital Champion  
• Less than a quarter (22%) of councillors believe their local authority's relationship with Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure Providers, when it comes to rolling out, telecommunications infrastructure and equipment is effective  

However, where those Councils did have a Digital Strategy in place the survey found they are:

• Three times more likely to agree promoting and improving digital connectivity is a priority for the local area  
• Four times more likely to say their local authority’s relationship with Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure Providers, when it comes to rolling out telecommunications infrastructure and equipment, is effective.  
• Four times more likely to say their local authority is doing enough to smooth the way for the rollout of telecommunications infrastructure and equipment in the local area.

We invited Sophy to expand on these findings further; when asked ‘What did your recent report suggest about perceptions of mobile connectivity?’ Sophy explained that good quality connectivity has never been more vital for people in the UK.  

Touching on the impact of the pandemic and lockdown, Sophy reflected on how connectivity has increased drastically since the first lockdown, and currently plays a fundamental role in connecting communities both personally and professionally.

The findings of the Connecting The UK report identified that the majority of UK citizens believe that the roll-out of communications infrastructure is essential for the country's social and economic advancement. There are however immediate hurdles to overcome before the connectivity goals and targets can be met.

We asked Sophy to discuss these key barriers; She highlighted that the physical barriers to roll-out include access to premises and land for providers and operators who want to put in place their required communications infrastructure and equipment.

Further to this Sophy explained that another key barrier is the lack of public awareness regarding the benefits of technologies such as 5G amongst businesses and consumers. As identified in the ‘Connecting The UK’ report, there is a clear need for digital champions. With less than a third (32%) of councillors believing that their local authority is doing enough to smooth the way for the roll-out of telecommunications infrastructure and equipment in the local area. It is apparent that dedicated, funded and supported roles are required to promote the coordination for mobile and connectivity improvements at a local level.  

Sophy expands on some key points identified in the recent ‘Connecting The UK’ report by Cluttons and YouGov in her full #Talking5G video, be sure to watch the video here for further insight.

Learn more about Sophy Moffat via LinkedIn and Cluttons here.