Worcestershire County Council has reached the finals of the of the prestigious ‘Connected Britain Awards 2025’, shortlisted for Digital Council of the Year. This recognition celebrates councils that are driving innovation and shaping the future of connectivity across the UK.
The Council’s entry highlighted its ‘Network on Wheels’ project, an innovative trial designed to research and support mobile connectivity at events in rural areas. Mobile coverage has long posed a challenge for event organisers, visitors, and service providers, often disrupting communication, payments, and digital engagement.
This project tackles this issue head-on, helping to bring reliable mobile connectivity to rural events across Worcestershire.
Delivered in partnership with Virtuser and supported by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the initiative has already provided valuable support to a wide range of events, including The Royal Horticultural Society’s Spring Show, The Royal Three Counties Show at Malvern’s Three Counties Showground, Woo Fest, Upton Blues Festival, the Hanbury Countryside Show and many more.
Councillor Alan Amos, Cabinet Member for Business and Skills at Worcestershire County Council, said, “We’re thrilled to have been shortlisted for this unique and innovative project. Supporting the county’s major events has proven its immense value, not only for those occasions but also for enhancing our residents’ quality of life and boosting economic growth.”
He added, “We’ve already seen a significant impact, with organisers, stallholders, and exhibitors telling us how Network on Wheels has transformed their operations. From enabling digital payments to boosting social media engagement and improving welfare, the difference has been remarkable, especially as customers increasingly move away from cash.”
Looking ahead, the potential for Network on Wheels extends beyond events. The system could be deployed to support emergency services and other organisations during critical incidents such as floods, offering a vital communications lifeline when it is needed most.
Councillor Amos concluded, “It’s fantastic to be recognised on a national stage, and we hope to bring this prestigious accolade home to Worcestershire at the Connected Britain Awards."
Facebook
X
Email
WhatsApp
Messenger