Gaps in Bristol and the West of England’s digital infrastructure are to be identified in a major new study aimed at improving its digital connectivity and boosting the economy.
The project, to be launched in the autumn, will also identify the skills gaps in the digital sector that are holding back the region’s high-growth tech businesses. 
One outcome could be to make sure housebuilders address gaps in connectivity when they develop new sites.
While the West is recognised as a hi-tech hotspot and one of the UK’s most creative and innovative regions, the patchwork nature of its high-speed broadband network is seen as a drag on economic activity.
Slow or unreliable broadband access is among the chief complaints of businesses operating in the region, particularly in rural areas.
The study was announced this week by West of England metro mayor Tim Bowles, pictured.
He said: “Digital access, including high-speed broadband, is essential to our future economic success as a region.
“The West of England is a leader in innovation, hi-tech and creativity. We have successful businesses and high-value jobs, and we’re a net contributor to the national purse – but connectivity remains a challenge in some parts of our region. 
“We need high-speed, high-quality digital networks to support our businesses, from start-ups to global players, to ensure they can continue to compete nationally and internationally.
“As well as supporting businesses, digital connectivity is also vital to opening up wider skills and employment opportunities to residents.”
The study will cover Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset – the three local authorities that make up the recently launched West of England Combined Authority (WECA) – as well as North Somerset, which is not part of WECA.
Mayor Bowles said the regional overview of digital provision would be used as a basis for conversations with government, broadband providers, businesses and housebuilders to make sure gaps in access were addressed.
“It may be that we need to set some standards for our region, for example making sure developers think about digital connectivity before they build new houses,” he added.
He also said more people with the skills to work in the West’s tech and creative sectors were needed now and in the future. As a result, the study would also look at how to ensure training was available in the right types of skills.
“We have to do more to promote the fantastic career opportunities in technology to school-age children, young adults and also people who may be looking for a career change,” said Mayor Bowles.
The digital study and its recommendations will support the draft regional strategy launched by WECA last month and now out for consultation.
Mayor Bowles said while developing the strategy it became clear that digital connectivity was “key to everything we do, and is something we need to start work on quickly”.
