ABSTRACT
Given its central role for rural sustainable development, access to broadband and digital services has become a priority for rural communities and their elected representatives. Brexit opens up new scenarios in the policy-making of rural broadband and digital services, since the UK is no longer subject to the EU regulatory framework that has so far shaped and driven rural digitisation. This chapter explores and analyses the scenarios opened up by Brexit, with a focus on the regulation of broadband state aid, the legislation on universal service obligations, and the policy measures needed to improve mobile coverage and tackle emerging issues in digital markets. Both threats and opportunities are identified and discussed, with the chapter urging the UK government to adopt prompt and tailored policy measures supporting broadband diffusion and rural digitisation.
