Giving a local voice to connectivity improvement
Digital Places is a collaborative programme that empowers local governments to address mobile connectivity challenges and unlock economic, social and environmental benefits. The Digital Places Connectivity Pathway consists of three distinct phases, each delivering outputs of value:
Assessment
The Digital Places technical team uses its proprietary Digital Places Model to assess and validate service needs. It maps mobile service gaps against key indicators such as population, road and rail networks, using radio frequency (RF) and publicly available data to create a robust, objective evidence base.
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The output is a prioritised, evidence-led shortlist of intervention areas, aligned to local needs.
Plan
We turn evidence into a plan that is aligned with both local priorities and operator investment. Securing stakeholder buy-in while ensuring solutions are commercially viable, this is shaped by the Digital Places team’s industry expertise in how mobile network operators plan, invest, and deliver infrastructure.
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The output is a structured Action Plan detailing a portfolio of optimal technical solutions and funding strategies. By closing any member capability gaps along the way, this reduces risks and optimises path toward successful project delivery.
Delivery
The focus of this phase is on delivery and results. Delivery is driven through outcome based procurement, balancing scale with commercial and public interest, engaging with the market throughout, providing oversight, ensuring solutions are implemented as intended and perform in real-world conditions.
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The output is tangible improvements to mobile coverage and service quality for communities and businesses, proving the program's success and setting the stage to pursue the next set of priorities.
