Published in September 2020, this report for BT found that improved digital connectivity has the potential to help address a number of the longstanding issues facing rural areas, both in terms of economic development and in terms of quality of life/wellbeing issues such as access to key services. Those opportunities involve both fixed broadband and mobile infrastructure, especially with the emergence of 5G.
Having comprehensive mobile and fixed-line infrastructure in place is, however, not enough – more needs to be done to realise the opportunities that it creates. The report makes 10 recommendations for actions that would help ensure that businesses in rural Wales make the most of the opportunity. Research undertaken for the report included a literature review, a series of stakeholder interviews and the development of a number of case studies for businesses in the tourism and agricultural sector in Wales which provide examples of the benefits of utilising the opportunities created by improvements to the digital infrastructure.
Read the full report:https://www.bt.com/bt-plc/assets/documents/about-bt/bt-uk-and-worldwide/bt-in-the-uk-and-ireland/research-and-reports/smart-rural-wales-english.pdf