Through the Connectivity strand of the Future Ambition Board, digitally-focused organisations across the city of Bath are working together to tackle two major local challenges in the digital connectivity space.
- The digital divide – this is the term used to describe the gulf between those who have ready access to computers and the internet, or the skills required to use digital technology, and those who do not. It can create hard-to-see disadvantages and inequalities within a community, and therefore addressing this is essential to a fairer, more inclusive and more prosperous place.
- Digital infrastructure – this is the foundational infrastructure required for any digitally connected business to operate. This includes the rollout of comprehensive digital connectivity for multiple use-case applications from fixed wireless access and enhanced mobile broadband through to massive machine-type communications and the Internet of Things.
There is a lot of activity happening in Banes focused on connectivity, however this is disparate and often projects have happened in isolation. Therefore the FAB Connectivity strand has worked to convene all of the active groups in this space with the purpose of establishing new collaborations and the sharing of ideas.
Simon Gould of BMT who is heading the Connectivity FAB group said: “When you bring high-tech local businesses, digital connectivity providers and large employers together to discuss the challenges associated with digital connectivity in the city, it becomes clear that there is no shortage of ambition or opportunity and that through working collaboratively we can achieve so much more. We’re at an early stage but there is a lot of energy and I am very much looking forward to where this partnership can take us.”