Closing the connectivity gap between urban and regional businesses: Why infrastructure alone won't be enough

About this episode

The episode discusses the importance of not just infrastructure but also support for regional businesses to thrive in the digital economy.

Guest post by Jonathan Long, Head of Operations, Pure Telecom We have been told that geography no longer matters in the digital economy: whether you're based in the heart of Dublin City Centre or on the mountain tops of Co. Kerry, entrepreneurs can build thriving companies from anywhere in the country. It's a compelling narrative and one that is finally beginning to have some basis in reality. With over 451,433 rural homes, farms and businesses now passed under the National Broadband Plan and the main rollout on track to be completed by the end of 2026, more and more regional businesses are gaining access to high-speed connectivity. For the first time, they can seamlessly hold virtual meetings, sell online and deliver services digitally, enabling them to compete on equal terms with their urban counterparts. But infrastructure, however transformative, is only half the battle. To put it simply, Ireland is at a crossroads. Without the right tools, training and supports to match it, we risk building a two-tier digital economy in which regional businesses have the infrastructure, but not the means to fully benefit from it. The early signs of what's possible are already visible. The…

People in this episode

Guest: Jonathan Long

Topics covered

• digital economy
• connectivity
• regional businesses
• infrastructure
• entrepreneurship
• broadband access

Keywords

• connectivity gap
• urban vs regional
• broadband plan
• digital services
• entrepreneurship
• high-speed internet

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Pure Telecom

Places: Ireland, Dublin City Centre, Co. Kerry, Waterford, Clare

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