Digital inclusion is accelerating. Benefits measurement must catch up
Four out of five councils across the UK now rank digital connectivity as a top local priority. That headline from the UK Local Government Connectivity Survey 2026 is significant, but the more interesting story lies beneath it. The emphasis is shifting as the debate is moving beyond just infrastructure deployment towards inclusion, resilience and real-world impact.
Every UK council surveyed still reports gaps in coverage, particularly in rural and dispersed communities where geography continues to challenge commercial rollout. The ambition to achieve universal high-speed access remains strong, and rightly so. Infrastructure is foundational.
However, councils are increasingly focused on whether connectivity translates into meaningful participation in modern life. Reliable 4G, affordable tariffs, digital skills and access to devices are rising up the agenda. The conversation is no longer solely about fibre in the ground. It is about ensuring residents can engage with public services, employment opportunities and education without digital barriers.
Digital Inclusion
The data reinforces this shift. Low digital skills and confidence were identified by 31% of councils as the biggest barrier to unlocking connectivity benefits. Affordability followed at 26%, with 19% highlighting lack of device access. These are not network engineering challenges; they are social and economic ones. Simply extending infrastructure does not automatically deliver inclusion. Without parallel investment in capability and uptake, digital divides persist.
Mobile connectivity remains a consistent source of frustration. One in three councils report poor mobile reception as the most common complaint from residents, particularly in rural areas. Many authorities describe a disconnect between operator coverage maps and on-the-ground experience. That gap creates uncertainty for planners and erodes confidence among communities who feel underserved.
Connectivity Resilience
Resilience is another growing concern. Three quarters of respondents flagged worries around network robustness, particularly following weather-related outages. As connectivity becomes embedded in emergency response, healthcare delivery and remote working, resilience is no longer a secondary consideration. Yet many councils remain unclear about where responsibility sits for infrastructure recovery and contingency planning. Greater clarity and coordination are required.
Despite the strategic importance of connectivity, measurement remains a critical weakness. Nine in ten councils have not been able to quantify the economic or social impact of improved connectivity. While 70% would like to undertake formal impact assessments, many lack the internal capacity, data access or practical frameworks to do so.
This presents a challenge. Connectivity is widely recognised as a driver of economic growth, productivity and regional resilience. However, recognition alone is insufficient. Without robust evidence of impact, it becomes harder to sustain investment and align national ambition with local delivery. Bridging this measurement gap is essential if connectivity is to be treated consistently as critical national infrastructure.
Data Centres and AI
Emerging technologies are also shaping local thinking. Data centres, recently designated as Critical National Infrastructure, remain a relatively low priority overall. Nevertheless, 35% of councils are actively seeking to attract data centre investment, and a further 25% are engaging directly with developers. Only 15% have undertaken formal economic appraisals of potential benefits. Interest is growing, but structured evaluation is still limited.
Artificial intelligence presents a similar picture. Three quarters of councils believe AI could help improve connectivity rollout and uptake. Yet none reported using AI tools to optimise interventions. There is appetite and awareness, but practical implementation is at an early stage.
Across the survey, councils consistently called for earlier engagement from telecoms operators, clearer national coordination and improved data sharing. Better alignment between central government ambitions and local realities would help accelerate delivery and address persistent coverage and resilience challenges.
What stands out most clearly is the sector’s pragmatism. Local authorities understand that connectivity underpins economic growth and public service transformation. They are increasingly focused on inclusion, reliability and community benefit. The next phase must centre on measurement. If we can quantify impact with confidence and consistency, we strengthen the case for sustained investment and ensure connectivity delivers inclusive growth across every part of the UK.
