News | 13 Oct 2025

OECD report sets out policy recommendations to bridge rural-urban broadband gaps

A new OECD report underscores the need to address persistent broadband connectivity divides between urban and rural areas, revealing that despite overall improvements in broadband access, rural regions continue to lag. It sets out policy recommendations for strengthened strategies and targeted actions to help close connectivity divides.

Image by Brett Sayles on Canva

Image by Brett Sayles on Canva

The publication states that rural broadband users experience significantly lower mobile download speeds and less consistent service quality compared to their urban counterparts. This disparity highlights the ongoing digital divide that hampers rural communities' access to essential services and economic opportunities.

To address this challenge, the report advocates for comprehensive policy frameworks that include promoting competition, easing infrastructure deployment, and efficient spectrum management. It also emphasises the importance of tailored approaches such as public-private partnerships, community-led networks, and targeted public funding to extend broadband networks in underserved rural and remote areas.

The OECD calls for a concerted effort to deliver quality and affordable digital connectivity in rural regions, aiming to future-proof rural economies and ensure they can reap the potential benefits of digitalisation, climate action, and innovation. This approach is essential not only for economic development, but also for delivering services more effectively and at lower costs in rural communities.

As rural areas continue to face connectivity challenges, the OECD recommendations serve as a useful guide for policymakers to bridge the digital divide and promote inclusive growth.

Discover the latest Rural Pact resources on the topic of digital.