Simon Fell MP has been announced as the UK’s first Rural Connectivity Champion – a role that will see him support rural communities and businesses as they look to benefit from greater digital connectivity.
Fell’s appointment to the role follows £7 million in funding from the UK government to ensure remote areas and rural communities will benefit from better access to wireless networks.
The funding was announced yesterday (Tuesday, June 6) under the new ‘Unleashing Rural Opportunity‘ programme which aims to grow the rural economy by “creating better-paid jobs and opportunity right across the country”.
In his role as Rural Connectivity Champion, Fell will convene rural businesses and the telecoms industry to support the adoption of digital connectivity in sectors like agriculture.
He will then develop, in partnership with rural businesses, a clear understanding of what connectivity is needed to drive innovation and boost rural economic growth.
Fell said he was honoured to have been asked to take up the role of Rural Connectivity Champion.
“Poor connectivity is holding back too many rural communities and businesses, as my own farmers and businesses in Barrow and Furness will attest,” he said.
“If we hope to unlock growth, and to ensure that our rural communities are sustainable, then the government has got to work hand in glove with local government and the private sector to deliver better connectivity.
“I look forward to leading that work across government and the country.”
Rural broadband
Fell will also support rural communities and businesses in the removal of local barriers for the deployment of 5G, gigabit broadband and more.
He will also aim to drive local leadership and coordination into the local authorities that make development decisions.
Coming from a background in telecoms and cybersecurity, Fell represents a largely rural constituency in Cumbria and is “well placed to engage with rural businesses”, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Fell will report to the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Sarah Munby, and the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Thérèse Coffey.
