Reflecting on #ConnectedBritain last week, Paul Korzeniewski, shares his insights from the event.
Here are my top three insights from Connected Britain 2024:
The event emphasised the critical role of digital infrastructure in driving economic growth and productivity. In Sir Chris Bryant’s speech at Connected Britain 2024, he said, “Digital infrastructure underpins the modern digital economy, [it] is a key driver of productivity and growth and is as essential as water and electricity.”
For example, “If we get the legislation right on smart data, smarter gas and electricity metres could make it far easier for households to heat their homes and save on fuel bills. That would be good for personal finances and help us meet our net zero commitments.”
Tackling digital exclusion was a major focus of the event, as Sir Chris Bryant emphasised the severity of the issue. He pointed out that around 1.5 million people in the UK still live in digital poverty, with many lacking adequate internet access. For example, 2% of schoolchildren are only able to connect to the internet at home through a mobile phone, a figure that rises sharply among low-income families. Additionally, 27% of adults on low incomes rely solely on smartphones for online access, highlighting the stark divide in digital resources.
In response to this, organisations like AbilityNet are playing a crucial role in bridging the gap. They provide free services to help people with disabilities, regardless of age, access technology—whether at home, at work, or in education. AbilityNet also offers digital training for people over 65, helping them stay connected in an increasingly digital world. This kind of support is essential for ensuring that everyone, especially the most vulnerable, can fully participate in today’s technology-driven society.
The event showcased how next-generation communications infrastructure is enabling new use cases across various industries, from healthcare to smart cities.
Sir Chris Bryant said, “£70 million R&D investment in three university-led Future telecoms research hubs and provided funding for 16 innovative UK business consortia, developing the next generation of tech.”
It was great to meet and network with colleagues and potential clients across the industry, with such a vast array of knowledge under one roof. It was a valuable opportunity to learn and promote KTL’s agility in areas where we may not be so prominently known. A great few days and on to CB 2025.....
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