Aligning digital connectivity with net-zero targets has ranked lowest among parliament’s priorities for the second year in a row.
The findings come from the second annual survey of digital leaders in local authorities across Scotland, England and Wales, conducted by Edinburgh-based connectivity company Farpoint.
A survey conducted in December revealed Congress’ top priorities and barriers to progress in fixed and mobile connectivity.
FarrPoint CEO Andrew Muir said: “We hope that the approach to net zero will change to reflect the vital role that increased connectivity plays in achieving national environmental goals.” can make a major contribution. ”
Deploying gigabit broadband remains a top priority for most councils (47%), with access to at least superfast connectivity ranking as the second-highest priority.
When asked about the value of 5G, respondents were divided. Despite its perceived importance, it still ranks below 4G, according to FarrPoint, suggesting that Congress may not fully understand the scope of opportunities that 5G can offer. Suggests.
The survey also revealed that planning is being promoted in a piecemeal manner. More than one in 10 councils did not have a digital connectivity strategy in place, and one in three did not have a digital champion. Moreover, even though 2G and 3G networks will be unavailable after 2033, 21 percent did not have a clear plan regarding the suspension of these networks.
However, 98% plan to migrate from copper broadband to fiber broadband, a 27% increase from 2022.
The council also identified social care as the sector that would benefit most from smart technology.
The deployment of local infrastructure was thought to be the biggest barrier to improving digital connectivity, but reflecting the ongoing cost of living crisis, bringing digital connectivity services to homes is becoming less affordable. perceived to be the biggest barrier.
“It was disappointing to see that local issues such as planning processes and permissions were seen as the biggest barrier to improving digital connectivity this year. “I encourage Congress to work with central government and carriers to address these challenges,” Mr Muir said.
He added that it was a misconception that the connection would be unaffordable, as it could be “same or cheaper than existing services”.
He also called for action to be taken to address “significant” pressures on council budgets. These pressures can take focus away from plans to roll out digital connectivity.
Local authority Cosla warned the Scottish Parliament in December that it needed to inject more than £14.4m into its budget just to “maintain the status quo”.
South of the border, Birmingham City Council and Nottingham City Council effectively declared bankruptcy last year.
Where are we on the path to net zero?
Scotland aims to reach net zero by 2045, five years ahead of the rest of the UK. However, concerns about meeting the set targets grew after Chancellor Rishi Sunak postponed parts of the net zero policy in September.
Scottish Net Zero Minister Mhairi McCarran blamed the U-turn on the Scottish Government for delaying its draft climate change plan, which was originally due to be published in November.
