The Digital Infrastructure Group (DIG) is a collaborative initiative between the six Berkshire local authorities—Bracknell Forest, Reading, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Slough, West Berkshire, and Wokingham—working alongside the Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). Together, we are committed to achieving world-class digital connectivity across Berkshire, with the ultimate goal of creating a truly Connected Berkshire.
By fostering a unified approach to tackle infrastructure challenges and optimizing collaboration, we align our expertise, resources, and priorities to deliver innovative digital solutions. Our efforts include leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), LoRaWAN networks, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. These technologies will not only enhance connectivity but also help transform local services and improve sustainability across the region.
We are leading digital infrastructure projects across Berkshire, working closely with market providers, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), and other key stakeholders. Our collaboration has enabled us to secure external funding and foster digital innovation.
We are also working in close partnership with Building Digital UK (BDUK) to deliver Project Gigabit, a nationwide initiative aimed at providing gigabit-capable broadband to the hardest-to-reach areas. By ensuring that underserved communities across Berkshire can access faster and more reliable broadband, we are driving digital inclusion and supporting economic growth.
Additionally, we continue to deliver the Superfast Broadband Programme, which has already brought high-speed internet to thousands of homes and businesses across the region. This programme plays a crucial role in closing the digital divide, enabling more residents and businesses to benefit from enhanced connectivity, supporting local innovation, and ensuring that Berkshire remains at the forefront of digital development.
Through these initiatives, combined with our work in deploying 5G deployments, LoRaWAN networks, IoT solutions, AI technology, and EV charging infrastructure, we are committed to building a resilient and future-proof digital landscape that meets the evolving needs of our communities.
Some of our recent achievements include delivering gigabit connectivity to schools under the Full Fibre for Schools project and developing vital infrastructure-enabling tools like the Dig Once Strategy and Supplementary Planning Guidance. We have also introduced standardized land access agreements to streamline the deployment of digital infrastructure.
Our Market Engagement Group ensures ongoing dialogue with industry stakeholders, and we have successfully secured multi-million-pound investments from central government and the LEP. Additionally, we are one of only eight pilot projects implementing a digital asset management platform through the Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Accelerator.
By promoting digital adoption through our Digital Adoption Strategy, we aim to empower residents and businesses to harness the benefits of improved digital connectivity. Our projects, such as expanding LoRaWAN networks for IoT applications and advancing EV charging infrastructure, support local priorities and help shape the region's digital future.
For more details on DIG’s activities and accomplishments, please refer to our Digital Infrastructure Group Year-End Report. You can also explore our alignment with government initiatives and see the major projects we are driving in our DIG Digital Roadmap.