Swansea Bay City Deal region introduces Shared Rural Network

The collaboration between the UK Government and mobile network operators will improve connectivity in rural areas. 

With a Shared Rural Network (SRN), people living in hard to reach locations are given access to reliable mobile signal and broadband services by introducing new 4G and 5G-ready infrastructure, helping overcome digital exclusion and drive economic growth.

‘The Shared Rural Network is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration. It’s helping to build a more connected region, ensuring that everyone can benefit from having better digital connectivity, whilst carefully considering ways to minimise the environmental impact of new mast builds,’ said councillor Hazel Evans, Carmarthenshire County Council.

‘Improving the digital infrastructure in rural areas will help attract new businesses and investment to the region and will ensure that those communities are not left behind and it’s understanding the needs of everyone involved that makes this process a fully inclusive one,’ she continued. 

According to a 2023 report by the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee, digital exclusion is a ‘serious problem’ in the UK and basic digital skillsets could become the single biggest divide in the country by 2030 without serious intervention. Cost of living challenges, which have only slightly eased since the analysis was published, place additional pressures on those most at risk of digital exclusion, making a ‘bad situation worse’ for many. Affordable internet access, connectivity and coverage improvements, accessible services and skills and motivation were identified as priorities for change. 

‘The economic case for tackling digital exclusion is clear: it would improve productivity, support economic growth and alleviate pressure on some public services,’ the report read. ‘Tackling digital exclusion would support a range of high-profile government commitments, notably levelling up, improving public health and achieving net zero. There is also a strong civic case for addressing digital exclusion. It would help ensure many of the most vulnerable in society have a voice at a time when political debate and engagement are increasingly moving online.’