DIGITAL connectivity in South Gloucestershire is the focus of a new regional study, which plans to find the gaps in provision.

The study by the West of England Combined Authority, which also looks at Bristol and Bath and North East Somerset, will launch in the autumn, aims to benefit businesses and residents, and will also consider skills gaps in the digital sector

West of England mayor Tim Bowles 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, high 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.”

“We need a regional overview of digital provision that we can use as a basis for conversations with government, providers, business and house builders, to make sure that we start to address issues, together.

“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.”

The digital study and its recommendations will support the three key priority areas identified in the draft regional strategy launched in July.

Mr Bowles said: “The draft strategy is out for consultation and feedback will used to inform the West of England Combined Authority’s more detailed plans, priorities and funding decisions.

"However in developing the strategy, it became evident that digital connectivity is key to everything we do, and is something we need to start work on quickly.”