Intelligens Consulting has published its first annual report on the UK’s digital connectivity landscape, revealing stark regional disparities in fibre and 5G coverage, and calling on local authorities to take urgent action to improve digital readiness.

The State of the UK’s Connectivity Landscape provides a national and regional breakdown of fibre and 5G availability across all four UK nations.

Using the latest data from ThinkBroadband and Ofcom, the report identifies leading and lagging areas and highlights where public and private investment is driving change – and where progress is stalling.

While some local authorities are building strong digital foundations to support smarter public services, others risk being left behind.

Key findings show that Northern Ireland leads the UK with 96% full-fibre coverage, while inner London boroughs dominate the 5G rankings with near-universal availability. In contrast, outer London areas face a so-called “city halo gap,” where access is significantly reduced.

Meanwhile, remote regions in Scotland and Wales remain severely underconnected, with some local authorities reporting less than 10% coverage for both fibre and 5G. However, areas like Rossendale, Mansfield, and Tamworth have emerged as rising stars, doubling their coverage within a year thanks to targeted investment and strong local leadership.

In Scotland, the report points to a mix of progress and persistent barriers. The top-performing local authorities – Midlothian and Aberdeen City (both at 91% full-fibre coverage), followed closely by Clackmannanshire, Glasgow City, and East Lothian – have benefitted from tailored strategies and effective partnerships with private investors to accelerate fibre rollout.

However, many English areas still outperform even Scotland’s top regions, reflecting the slower pace of full-fibre expansion north of the border and a concerning level of growing digital disparity.

At the other end of the scale, Scotland’s most underconnected areas include Na h-Eileanan an Iar (7%), Shetland Islands (12%), and Orkney Islands (19%), where progress is hampered by geographic isolation, rural deprivation, outdated infrastructure, and delays in planning and rollout.

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Despite these challenges, the report states that initiatives such as Project Gigabit and collaborations between incumbent and alternative network operators are playing a key role in helping to close the digital divide.

The report emphasises that while fibre and 5G are not the only technologies needed for digital transformation, they serve as vital indicators of readiness for investment, innovation, and service delivery.

“Digital infrastructure is now a prerequisite for transformation—not just in IT, but across transport, housing, health, and economic development,” said Iqbal Bedi, managing partner of Intelligens Consulting.

“This report shows where the opportunities and gaps lie. It’s a practical tool to help councils benchmark their readiness and take action.”