Connectivity remains a critical but evolving priority for local authority digital leaders, as the importance of 5G grows, connectivity data and funding challenges persist, and the adoption and take-up of digital solutions become a bigger focus.
These are some of the key findings from the third annual survey of digital leaders at councils across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, conducted by connectivity consultancy, FarrPoint.
The survey, carried out in December 2024, explored local authorities’ priorities, progress, and challenges in digital connectivity. Respondents represented councils from a variety of settings, spread across a variety of geographical locations, from ‘dense urban’ to ‘rural’ areas.
Key findings from the survey include:
- Fixed and 4G connectivity remain focal points, but 5G is gaining traction.
Councils continue to prioritise the rollout of broadband and 4G mobile infrastructure. There is, however, a growing interest from local authorities in 5G, particularly within the health and social care sectors, as well as its role in tackling urban connectivity challenges. - Despite data centres being declared critical national infrastructure, only 4% of surveyed councils are developing a dedicated data centre strategy for their regions. 50% respondents did say they were interested but haven’t yet investigated the role of data centres in their area.
- Digital connectivity strategies need modernisation. Nearly 50% of surveyed councils have a digital strategy older than three years or lack one entirely. This finding suggests a weakening of strategic focus on digital connectivity within councils, with respondents noting resource and leadership challenges associated with developing up to date digital strategies.
- Data and mapping issues hinder progress. Councils highlighted challenges in accessing accurate and granular connectivity data, with only 29% feeling fully informed about digital connectivity coverage in their regions.
- The role of digital champions still faces challenges. Over three-quarters of surveyed local authorities now have a digital champion, up from previous years, reflecting growing recognition of their value in supporting digital connectivity. However, around a quarter still lack a digital champion or are exploring the role further. Despite this, the role remains poorly defined in many councils.
- Net zero links are deprioritised. Only 13% of local authorities have defined net-zero targets with a clear link to digital connectivity, while 8% defer responsibility to other departments.
- PSTN and 2G/3G switch-offs progress, but regional impacts lag. Councils are increasingly focused on the implications of PSTN and 2G/3G switch-offs, but many report difficulties in understanding regional impacts.
The full list of findings can be found in the full report.
Mark Hawthorne MBE, Councillor at Gloucestershire County Council and LGA Digital Lead 2025, said:
“This year’s FarrPoint survey highlights the increasing importance of digital connectivity in driving local economic strategies, making productivity gains, and addressing challenges in frontline services like Adult Social Care. While significant progress has been made, there is always more to do. Local government remains key to successful delivery on the ground, and as we move forward, collaboration and investment will be vital to achieving our shared goals of boosting the economy, transforming service delivery, and improving residents’ lives.”
Dr Andrew Muir, Chief Executive at FarrPoint, commented:
“It was particularly nice to see a spread of survey responses from across the four nations, including increased input from Northern Ireland representatives.
The local involvement will be needed as the continued expansion of 5G takes place and the increased developments around data centres raise pros and cons for local areas, all of which need to be considered. Change and opportunity will continue, with 30 years in telecom consultancy, I can vouch for this personally!
Collaboration between local authorities and connectivity providers can be a challenge as they may not understand each other’s drivers and priorities. We believe delivery could be greatly improved to everyone’s benefit by investing in these relationships and digital champions will be key to this. Hopefully 2025 is the year that this gets appropriately resourced.”
