Broadband providers need permission from the landowner or freeholder to access a block of flats and install fibre infrastructure. Speak with your freeholder to encourage them to grant access. You can also help by engaging with commercial broadband providers and acting as a digital champion, facilitating conversations between both parties.

There are several reasons why your Wi-Fi might not be working as it should. Have you tried any of the following: Move the position of your router - blockers such as chimneys, furniture and other electronic signals can all interfere New router – If you have remained loyal to your provider you may now have outdated equipment. Contact your provider to see whether it's time for an upgrade Reduce your connected devices – Do you have several devices connected to your Wi-Fi and therefore competing for bandwidth? How many of these devices needs to be connected at all times?

An ISP or Internet Service Provider is the company that you buy your broadband package from. A Network Operator builds the broadband network and depending on their business model, often sells on the wholesale access for ISPs to then sell their broadband product.

Hertfordshire County Council is unable to offer funding support to individual communities as there is not a county-wide initiative currently in place to support all areas facing connectivity challenges. If a funding opportunity for communities becomes available, we will add the details to the Broadband Connectivity page.

Digital Hertfordshire are currently developing an action and engagement plan to boost mobile coverage across the county. This will help identify specific areas of need across all Mobile Network Operators. The team will also create an engagement plan to boost local buy-in and operator interest.

We would recommend raising the issue with your Mobile Network Operator so that they are aware of the issue. If providers know that there is interest from a community to improve connectivity, they may be more likely to invest in this area. If you are interested in acting as a digital champion for your area and know you can gain interest from your community, please reach out to us so that we can investigate how we can help.

Radio frequencies used for mobile signals can be disrupted by trees and buildings. Often when an application has been submitted the operator has assessed the surroundings and chosen a location based on where it will provide best performance to the local area. 5G signals have a shorter range than 4G and so are often best placed in a central position.

To reduce digital clutter and energy consumption, start by decluttering your devices and storage by deleting unwanted emails and files. Unsubscribe from unnecessary email lists, if you regularly delete messages without reading them, you probably don’t need them. Optimise your device settings by lowering screen brightness, enabling power-saving modes, and unplugging devices when not in use. Additionally, consider using smaller email signatures, minimising logos and links helps reduce the overall energy footprint.

Overall, yes. AI does more ‘thinking’ as it doesn’t just find answers, it creates them. Use search engines for quick and easy things like finding a shop, checking the weather, or looking up a recipe. Use AI when you need help with something more complex like writing a letter or planning a trip.

Cybercrime is on the rise and so we must all be more careful when using any digital tool. Ability Net have detailed what to look out for and what to do if you think you’re being digitally scammed. https://abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets/internet-scams-and-how-avoid-them

Digital landlines won’t work in power cuts. We would strongly recommend having a mobile phone device being always charged and available as a backup in the case of an emergency. If you are registered as vulnerable with your current Internet Service Provider, they will ensure that additional provisions are being made which may include a backup battery. If your family member or friend is vulnerable but not registered as such with their service providers, please encourage or ensure this is done.

Not necessarily. Each provider will have different solutions. Some may require you to take up a broadband package and others may be able to provide landline only packages. Speak to your provider to see what options are available to you.