As the UK nears gigabit saturation, the challenge for alternative network operators (altnets) is shifting from rollout to survival. Can they build the scale, brand strength, and financial resilience needed to compete with the big four fixed broadband providers — BT, Sky, Virgin Media O2, and TalkTalk — or will consolidation, cash-flow pressures, and market failures thin their ranks? 

The UK Government has announced a new £500 million Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF) to help councils, combined authorities, and local partners turn innovation into local jobs and growth.

The Scottish Government’s CivTech 11 Challenge 9 invites innovative solutions to help people overcome barriers to accessing vital online services. Despite investment in digital connectivity and devices, many citizens still face non-technical obstacles such as low confidence, limited skills, accessibility issues, or lack of trust. 

The UK is entering a new phase of tech investment, with GBP 150bn in US private funding confirmed. The North East has been named one of the first AI Growth Zones, anchored by Blackstone and global tech leaders. With infrastructure, skills, and policy aligned, the initiative could create 5,000+ jobs and establish the region as a leading European data centre hub, showcasing the power of anchor-led investment strategies.

Ofcom’s 2025 consultation on releasing mmWave spectrum marks a pivotal step in the UK’s digital future. Unlocking the 26 GHz and 40 GHz bands will enable ultra-fast, high-capacity 5G, laying foundations for 6G. From smart cities and stadiums to transport hubs, mmWave can transform connectivity. But success depends on real demand and strong business cases—without them, small-cell investment will stall.

DSIT has launched a consultation on updates to the Telecommunications Security Code of Practice, addressing new cyber threats, emerging technologies like 5G and IoT, and aligning with revised NCSC standards. Proposed changes include stronger risk-based approaches, safeguards against SIM-swap fraud, and tougher API security. These updates will impact local authorities, operators, and investors, raising the bar for compliance across the UK's digital infrastructure landscape.

As AI accelerates, cities are evolving beyond "smart" into something far more transformative: autonomous, self-learning urban systems. This article explores urgent questions—who programs the algorithms, who holds power, and how AI might shape or replace public governance. The AI-driven city isn't a distant vision; it's a present challenge. What kind of future are we building—and who gets to decide?

The Green Book is HM Treasury’s guide for appraising public spending, setting the standard for how councils secure funding. A 2025 review found no systemic bias but noted complexity and inconsistent use created barriers for less-resourced areas. Key reforms include simpler guidance, better support, and a shift to place-based investment—moving from standalone projects to integrated plans that unlock growth, skills, health, and inclusion across regions.

The UK Government’s £9.5M Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund supports councils, charities, and community groups to tackle digital exclusion. Grants fund projects like tech skills workshops, device donation schemes, and innovative local solutions. By improving access to devices, digital skills, and online services, the fund helps communities save money, boost employability, and reduce inequality while promoting scalable, evidence-based initiatives for lasting social impact.

The Internet of Things (IoT) has matured from a niche concept to a core enabler of digital infrastructure. As investor interest grows, the market remains fragmented—populated by under-scale and niche providers. With emerging tech like edge-based AI and increasing regulatory demands, the next wave of growth will favour full-stack, scalable platforms. This article explores how investors can capitalise on consolidation opportunities in this evolving landscape.

The Shared Rural Network (SRN) has hit its UK-wide 4G target early. Now, it’s tackling ‘total not-spots’—areas with zero mobile coverage—focusing on rural and remote parts of the UK. The next phase targets key walking routes, tourism hubs, and isolated communities using shared, low-impact masts. Councils, landowners, and digital leaders should engage now to shape rollout plans, improve emergency and economic connectivity, and future-proof local infrastructure.

The June 2025 Spending Review outlines key digital and infrastructure priorities, including £1.9bn for gigabit broadband rollout, £500m to boost public sector productivity, and investment in AI, digital health, and skills. While direct local funding is limited, the review signals strong national backing for digital transformation. Councils should align strategies to seize future funding and innovation opportunities.

Emran Mian has been appointed Permanent Secretary at DSIT, succeeding Sarah Munby. His prior role as Director General for Digital Technologies and Telecoms ensures continuity in AI, telecoms, fibre, and compute. This signals strong government commitment to digital infrastructure and presents opportunities for local councils to align with central strategy.

The UK’s Industrial Strategy focuses on AI, semiconductors, telecoms, cloud, and data infrastructure to drive national competitiveness. Fibre, 5G, and data centres are key to economic security and industrial leadership. Local Authorities can align regional strategies with national priorities, while Investors and Operators are encouraged to scale investments. Intelligens Consulting helps with digital strategy alignment, infrastructure planning, and securing funding.

Even a 1% productivity boost across UK SMEs could unlock £94 billion over five years. Digital tools—like AI, automation, and advanced connectivity—are key to driving growth, efficiency, and resilience. Local authorities and enterprise agencies can lead this transformation by delivering tailored support that helps SMEs adopt and scale the right technologies. Now is the time to act and unlock the digital dividend for local economies.

As the public sector embraces digital services, automation, and AI, fibre and 5G infrastructure have become vital indicators of a region’s readiness. Our State of the UK’s Connectivity Landscape (2025) report highlights a growing digital divide—but also clear opportunities. Connectivity is just the starting point. True transformation requires vision, strategy, and leadership. The most successful regions aren’t waiting. It’s your move.

500 character ChatGPT said: The UK Government’s AI Growth Zones (AIGZ) initiative aims to accelerate AI infrastructure across the country by supporting the development of data centres and innovation clusters outside London and the South East. AIGZs will unlock investment, create high-quality jobs, and drive regional growth. Intelligens Consulting can help design proposals, assess sites, and build partnerships to secure funding and deliver impactful AI projects.

At Connected North 2025, I moderated a panel on how councils are using AI—not in theory, but in practice. Councils are no longer waiting on the sidelines; AI is delivering real results today. From chatbots to automated triage in social care, local authorities are building affordable, effective tools in-house. But AI is only as good as the data—and data needs infrastructure. That’s why digital connectivity is now essential for public sector innovation.

This short eBook summarises a three-part article series from Intelligens Consulting on the impact of AI on digital infrastructure and...

We recently hosted a highly engaging and insightful Food & Drink TechHub Webinar, bringing together businesses from across the Highlands...