Access resources, guidance, data and one-to-one support for deploying digital connectivity infrastructure in the West of England.

A priority area of the West of England Digital Plan, the Digital Office is enabling faster, more efficient deployment of digital connectivity infrastructure across the West of England by working closely with telecom providers and local authorities to create optimal conditions for digital infrastructure deployment. The Digital Office:

  • Provides tailored support: Provides a targeted programme of support telecoms to investors seeking to deploy connectivity infrastructure in the region.
  • Breaks down barriers: Addressing challenges and facilitating connectivity infrastructure projects through targeted support programmes.
  • Encourages regional investment: Positioning the West of England as a prime destination for telecoms investment, by making deployments faster, easier, and cost-effective for all parties involved.
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Access the Digital Office

Access support to enable the accelerated roll out of fast, reliable digital connectivity infrastructure in the West of England.

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What is the

The Digital Office Data service

The data service provides a detailed view of the current fixed-line and mobile coverage across the region. It highlights areas with both strong and weak connectivity, offering valuable insights for identifying coverage gaps and prioritising areas for digital infrastructure investment. 

Access the data service by contacting the Digital Office team.

Contact us to access the data service

Guides and resources for network deployment and planning

Project goals and rationale

The Digital Office hopes to increase the deployment of new connectivity infrastructure across the West of England region:

  • Surpass the 85% gigabit connectivity target by 2025.
  • Maximise superfast broadband access by 2026.
  • Extend 4G and 5G coverage across the region.
  • Boost community-based connectivity.
  • Actively reduce digital exclusion.

1. For telecoms investors

Deploying new digital connectivity infrastructure can be a difficult, slow, and expensive process. By coordinating interactions between unitary authorities and telecom providers, and busting barriers, the Digital Office aims to streamline this process and achieve our Digital Infrastructure targets.

2. For residents

Our people require fast and reliable digital infrastructure to support all aspects of their life. Currently, location and income can be a barrier to good connectivity. With digital connectivity widely considered the fourth utility, and as a key determinant of people’s ability to participate in society, we need to ensure our residents are well-connected in all respects.

3. For businesses

Nationally, research indicates that many businesses consider that their broadband speeds are insufficient, and that poor connectivity is a barrier to growth. Businesses need world class digital infrastructure so they can adopt cutting-edge digital technologies to make them more productive and competitive.

4. Strategic: to enable big transformations

Digital connectivity infrastructure is a foundation of our economy and underpins our wider ambitions for the region– without the right infrastructure we risk being left behind in a digital world. Digital technologies and data provide us with the opportunity to transform our public services and tackle the big challenges of our time including climate change, transport and caring for the elderly.

Contact us for more information and support

Get in touch with the Digital Office

Our team are on hand to help you access support with deploying digital connectivity infrastructure in the West of England.

Fill in our online form to get in touch, or drop the team an email: digital@westofengland-ca.gov.uk.

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Digital transformation in the West of England

Digital technologies are revolutionising almost every aspect of our lives. The Mayoral Combined Authority is committed to ensuring the benefits of digital technologies and the internet are available to everyone.

Our ethos is that digital transformation must put people first, be ethical and be fair. We want digital transformation to deliver better outcomes for people and place.

Read the Digital plan to discover the region's digital priorities and ambitions, and how digital infrastructure plays a crucial role.

Discover digital transformation