The 2025 report highlights the increasing importance of connectivity as a driver for economic growth, and improved social wellbeing, while also underscoring areas for urgent improvement.
The DCRI evaluates the UK’s digital landscape across two key dimensions: digital infrastructure and digital adoption, offering a comprehensive view of performance and priorities. This year’s results present a mixed picture, with infrastructure advancements outpacing adoption progress across much of the UK.
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Key Findings for 2025
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Infrastructure Investment Delivers Gains.
Sustained investment in Gigabit broadband and 5G rollout has propelled infrastructure scores higher for the UK as a whole, as well as for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Notable improvements in fixed network coverage and 4G mobile access have further contributed to these gains.
For example, the UK’s overall Digital Connectivity Readiness Index saw a 1-point increase, rising to 86 in 2025, driven by advances in the infrastructure score (up 2 points to 90), particularly through the continued rollout of Gigabit and 5G networks.
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Adoption Remains a Stumbling Block.
Progress in digital adoption has been less encouraging. Scotland saw modest gains in areas such as skills and innovation, but overall UK adoption scores stagnated. England and Wales experienced declines, driven by persistent challenges in affordability and access to digital services.
Notably, the UK adoption index remained unchanged from 2024 at 83, while regional scores like England saw a 1-point drop. Factors like a slowdown in government spending related to the 2024 General Election, rising affordability challenges, and a notable fall in innovation contributed to this stagnation.
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Regional Performance Varies.
Scotland and Northern Ireland outperformed other nations in metrics like innovation and digital wellbeing. Scotland saw the largest increase in infrastructure scores, driven by the success of the R100 programme and private investment. Additionally, its digital economy grew by 4%, with 10% more people working in the sector. However, affordability challenges persist across the UK.
Wales saw the second-largest increase in infrastructure (up 4 points), but its adoption score fell due to declines in areas such as digital skills, the digital economy, and innovation. Northern Ireland continued to perform well, with improvements in both infrastructure and adoption but still lags behind other parts of the UK in overall adoption.
The 2025 DCRI reinforces the need for policymakers to address disparities between infrastructure development and technology adoption, as infrastructure alone does not deliver tangible benefits.
The FarrPoint DCRI framework has just been announced to be shortlisted for the (this will open in a new window)ScotlandIS Digital Awards in the Data Trailblazer category.
Digital connectivity is about more than just infrastructure. It’s about enabling people, communities, and businesses to thrive in the digital landscape. It’s interesting to note that performance across the UK nations has diverged over the past year, with Scotland and Northern Ireland making notable strides, while other regions face ongoing challenges in adoption. The DCRI offers decision-makers the insights they need to build resilient, inclusive, and future-proof digital strategies.
Matthew Izatt-Lowry, Head of Economics at FarrPoint.
Find out more about the Digital Connectivity Readiness Index and to access the (this will open in a new window)full 2025 report.
