To what extent are individuals without landline based connectivity at greater risk of exclusion?

Background

BDUK wishes to develop a stronger evidence base around the telecoms market and how it functions at a national level. In these markets, BDUK is interested in increasing understanding of infrastructure planning and decision making, as well as how infrastructure maintenance can be ensured in the long term.

BDUK would like more insight into the barriers to delivery of gigabit and mobile roll-out across the UK and what technological innovations may assist in this. International comparisons for gigabit and mobile connectivity roll out would also be beneficial.

Cutting across all programmes, BDUK wants to understand more about the impacts of fixed and mobile connectivity, specifically how greater connectivity benefits businesses, residents, and public sector organisations. In addition, BDUK also needs more evidence on the behavioural changes connectivity makes to residents and businesses which have been connected, and the wider impacts this may have.

Lastly, BDUK is interested in more evidence on the environmental impact of its work.

Next steps

If you are keen to register your interest in working and connecting with DSIT Digital Technology and Telecoms Group and/or submitting evidence, then please complete the DSIT-ARI Evidence survey - https://dsit.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cDfmK2OukVAnirs.
Please view full details: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/department-for-science-innovation-and-technology-areas-of-research-interest/dsit-areas-of-research-interest-2024

Source

This question was published as part of the set of ARIs in this document:

DSIT Areas of Research Interest 2024 GOV UK

Related UKRI funded projects


  • EPSRC NETWORK in Next Generation Networks Systems and Services- Enablers for the Digital Economy

    Investment in innovation and research in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is essential in order to foster social and economic inclusion, better public services, and improvements in the quality of life for ...

    Funded by: EPSRC

    Lead research organisation: University of Ulster

    Why might this be relevant?

    Partially relevant as it focuses on Next Generation Telecommunications Networks but does not specifically address landline based connectivity exclusion.

  • PAWS: Public Access WiFi Service

    The main motivation behind the Public Access WiFi Service (PAWS) is to enable digital inclusion, which is important in the interest of social equality to ensure access to everyday services and benefits that are enjoyed b...

    Funded by: EPSRC

    Lead research organisation: University of Cambridge

    Why might this be relevant?

    Fully relevant as it addresses digital inclusion and access to benefits enjoyed by the majority, focusing on providing basic Internet connectivity for societal benefit.

  • Last mile broadband for rural UK via Integrated Access Backhaul

    Broadband is an essential tool for empowering populations and a key priority in the 21st century due to its transformative power as an enabler for economic and social growth leading to increased income and reduced unempl...

    Funded by: Innovate UK

    Lead research organisation: ORB CONNECT LTD

    Why might this be relevant?

    Partially relevant as it focuses on last-mile broadband for rural areas but does not specifically address individuals without landline based connectivity.