CIO OPINION
It is critical that everyone across the country has the same access to opportunities brought about by connectivity .
Emmanuel Vella , VP ,
EMEA Broadband Networks at CommScope
Levelling out the connectivity playing field in the UK
There are many societal benefits of connection , both economically and socially , and connectivity might just be the key to building a nationwide fightback after the pandemic set-back . Emmanuel Vella , VP , EMEA Broadband Networks at CommScope , discusses today ’ s state of play in terms of the digital divide , where we ’ re at in the UK with fibre and wireless connectivity in rural and hard-to-reach areas , and the technology that operators should be turning towards to improve the speed and cost of rollouts .
Over the past year , the lines between ‘ home ’ and ‘ office ’ have become increasingly blurred due to the rise of remote working . Many of us have been shifted abruptly from our usual life patterns into something new and unfamiliar . that our reliance on newly remote services , such as banking and online shopping , isn ’ t going away any time soon . This shift towards a hybrid way of living and a ‘ work from anywhere ’ approach will only be successful if underpinned by connectivity for all .
Even as lockdowns are being lifted , many have been left feeling isolated and alone – especially those in rural and hard-to-reach areas .
While we are nearing a likely end of the government ’ s work from home guidance , it is clear that we will not all be going back to the office , all of the time , and
Today , having access to reliable connectivity is the crucial key to help individuals , local economies and communities to truly thrive . From a FaceTime call with relatives to collaboration apps becoming a vital component among remote workforces , speedy and reliable broadband and wireless access is bridging the gap .
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