New Digital Strategy for Essex

We have launched a new Digital Strategy for Essex, aiming to boost digital connectivity and tackle digital exclusion.

The strategy includes opportunities to develop digital skills and identifies ways to drive adoption of digital technology.

It was outlined today (Friday 10 June) at the launch of the County Council’s Levelling Up programme for rural Braintree at Sible Hedingham Village Hall.

Rural Braintree has been identified as one of the six priority areas in our Levelling Up White Paper. The area is at risk of being left behind in the digital revolution due to a lack of connectivity.

We are actively working on a local grant scheme using Government funding and ECC reinvestment, which would bring gigabit-capable broadband to the area and could help to address inequalities, including employment prospects and poor mental and physical health.

The new Digital Strategy for Essex sets out clear goals we want to see reached by 2025:

• Superfast speeds available at all premises in Essex.
• Gigabit-capable services available at more than 85% of premises in Essex.
• 4G services available across 99% of the Essex geography.
• 5G services available at all key employment locations and in identified priority areas.

Cllr Lesley Wagland OBE, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Renewal, Infrastructure and Planning said: “Providing Essex residents and businesses with access to excellent digital connectivity is at the top of my list of priorities and a key foundation for Levelling Up Essex.

“The Digital Strategy will build upon driving not only infrastructure rollouts for gigabit-capable broadband and mobile connectivity but will also focus on providing opportunities and access to digital technologies. We want to make sure no one is left behind when it comes to the digital revolution.”

CT Bureau