In today’s increasingly digital world, many local authorities have made significant strides in establishing the foundational infrastructure needed for modern public service delivery. However, infrastructure installation is just the beginning. The real challenge lies in using this infrastructure to achieve whole-council outcomes that drive economic, environmental, and social impact.
This article draws from insights discussed at a panel moderated by Managing Partner Iqbal Singh Bedi at Connected Britain 2024, “Understanding the fundamentals: getting the right infrastructure for your region” where he along with industry experts and local authority leaders explored how to move beyond simply installing digital infrastructure to fully leveraging it for long-term public service improvements.
Intelligens Consulting has been at the forefront of helping local authorities develop strategic digital roadmaps that extend beyond the initial installation phase, integrating public sector assets with cutting-edge technologies like 5G, IoT, and full-fibre to deliver long-term value.
Understanding the Current Landscape: From Installation to Implementation
Building digital infrastructure is a critical first step, but it does not automatically translate into better outcomes for communities. Local authorities must actively leverage these investments to deliver a ripple effect of tangible benefits across public services.
One of the key challenges we observe is a "patchwork" of digital connectivity islands. While the government is driving investments, local authorities need to adopt a top-down outcomes-led approach to ensure strategic deployment of digital infrastructure in ways that align with broader council objectives.
Whole-Council Outcomes: A Strategic Approach
A whole-council approach ensures that digital infrastructure investments are used not just for connectivity but to deliver measurable improvements across public services:
Enhanced Public Services - With the right digital infrastructure in the right place, councils can enhance services like transport, education, healthcare, housing, and environmental monitoring. IoT-based solutions, for example, can help monitor housing conditions, improve traffic management and improve security for example.
Operational Efficiency - Councils can use smart technology to streamline internal operations and cut down costs. This includes using sensors for predictive maintenance in social housing or deploying smart lighting systems to reduce energy consumption. Sensors can also be used to monitor office space utilisation to support site rationalisation strategies.
Economic Development - By fostering digital readiness and leveraging assets like full-fibre and 5G networks, councils can stimulate private investment, driving local economies and enhancing the digital economy. For example, we have supported local authorities to deploy 5G private networks (5GPN) to deliver connected AR/VR tourism experiences that will boost the visitor economy.
Practical Steps to Leverage Digital Investments
Collaborate Across Departments - A shared digital roadmap ensures that different areas—such as housing, transport, and social care—benefit from the same digital infrastructure. Our proven six-step digital transformation model helps councils prioritise high-impact interventions to deliver their digital ambitions.
Engage the Market and Private Sector - Public-private partnerships are essential to unlocking investment and accessing cutting-edge technologies. Intelligens Consulting has successfully helped councils pioneer intervention models like the Anchor Tenant Model, unlocking millions in private investment to support broadband and 5G deployment in otherwise commercially unviable areas.
Create a Digital Net Gain - All digital projects should include provisions for social inclusion, ensuring that the most vulnerable communities benefit from the advancements. Initiatives such as subsidised broadband and free public WiFi help tackle digital poverty, a key challenge for many local authorities
Case Study: Unlocking Private Investment in Fibre Networks
One of the most effective ways councils can leverage digital infrastructure is through attracting private investment. For example, Intelligens Consulting supported a local authority in unlocking over GBP 150 million in private investment in full-fibre and 5G infrastructure, driving economic growth and improving digital inclusion.
The Road Ahead: Moving from Digital Readiness to Action
For local authorities, digital infrastructure is a foundation upon which greater transformations can occur. By adopting a strategic, whole-council approach to digital transformation, local authorities can ensure their investments deliver far-reaching benefits—boosting public services, enhancing operational efficiency, and fostering a thriving digital economy.
Intelligens Consulting continues to support local authorities in making this shift, guiding them through their digital transformation journey to create smart, connected places that are equipped for the future. Intelligens Consulting is a telecoms, digital and technology management consultant to public bodies, investors, operators and SMEs. Contact us to discover how our expert team can support you.
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