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.

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.

The UK Government, through the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), has launched four new funding streams to accelerate

Help shape the UK’s Digital Inclusion Action Plan! Share your views by 9 April 2025 to drive real change. Visit gov.uk to take part.

The Smart Machines Strategy drives UK leadership in robotics, boosting innovation, jobs, and industry with a GB150B economic impact by 2035.

UK uses AI and satellite imagery to speed up planning approvals, enhance MOT inspections, and lead in AI-driven public service improvements.

The UK Government Unveils a Game-Changing Plan for AI The UK Government has launched the AI Opportunities Action Plan, a transformative...

An opportunity for industry stakeholders to refine their approaches and strengthen their positions in the evolving connectivity landscape.

Discover how CivTech connects public organisations with innovators to solve challenges using tech. Download our Briefing Note to learn more.

Discover how automation, sensors, & cobots boost productivity, cut costs, & scale operations. Download our Briefing Note to learn more.

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council invites bids for GBP 12M to drive innovation in sustainable digital technologies...

We are delighted to provide a briefing on the key points of the UK Government's upcoming 5G Innovation Regions bid, an exciting...

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) has published a report that sets out to explore the physical security of street...

The UK Government is investing GBP 5 billion in providing reliable gigabit capable broadband across the UK with specific emphasis to...

Julia Lopez MP, Minister of State for Media, Data, and Digital Infrastructure and Stuart Andrew MP, Minister for State for Housing have...

Julia Lopez, the Minister for Media, Data, and Digital Infrastructure, has announced a technical consultation seeking views on her...

The Electronic Communications Code (the Code) regulates rights for network operators and infrastructure providers to install and maintain...

DCMS has brought together key government guidance on the security of connected places (also known as ‘smart cities’). If you buy or...