Guidance

Digital Connectivity Portal

The Digital Connectivity Portal provides guidance for local authorities and network providers on improving connectivity in local areas.

From:

Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and Building Digital UK

Published:

20 December 2018

Last updated:

8 August 2024

Show all updates

8 August 2024
Updated lead organisation
24 May 2023
DSIT added as the second lead organisation due to the overlap of content with BDUK.
23 May 2023
Barrier Busting Handbook added.
30 January 2023
Added new section - Resources for new home developers.
26 December 2022
Added link to Electronic Communications Code - Part 4A guidance.
16 May 2022
BDUK now lead organisation
19 March 2021
Added link to the new document "Barrier Busting Task Force: Next Steps"
29 October 2020
Added BDUK Research Portal link.
27 August 2020
Updated printable version of guidance
3 April 2020
Updated government 5G and gigabit broadband target
2 April 2020
Added Covid-19 guidance regarding telecoms infrastructure for local authorities and landowners
28 March 2019
Due to popular demand, a link has been added to a PDF with the full text Digital Connectivity Portal for printing.
20 December 2018
First published.

The government intends to deliver nationwide gigabit-capable broadband as soon as possible, and aims for the majority of the population to have 5G coverage by 2027.

The Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review, outlined a package of measures to create the right market and policy conditions to deliver world-class connectivity for citizens and businesses.

These measures include removing barriers to deployment of gigabit-capable and mobile networks.

Making it easier for network providers to access public sector property and following best practice guidance on street works can help achieve this. Local authorities and property developers also have a vital role to play in ensuring that all parts of the UK can enjoy the many social and economic benefits of the next generation of digital connectivity. Network providers, in turn, must work collaboratively with local authorities and property developers.

This digital connectivity portal has been developed to:

encourage closer cooperation between network providers, local authorities and property developers for the deployment of digital infrastructure
offer guidance on effective policies and processes to facilitate deployment of broadband and mobile networks

The guidance presented in this portal will be updated periodically as new laws, regulations and examples of best practice develop.