The exodus to rural Spain caused by the explosion of the Covid-19 three years ago, put on the table an issue to which almost no one really paid attention: the importance of good connectivity and digitization of indoor areas and the peoples of Spain. A problem that, even today, remains unsolved.
Although everything indicates that this will be an endemic issue that will continue to affect these areas of the country, at least if we compare it with the situation in the cities and better located municipalities, from time to time actions arise that try to help improve this problem. 90 million euros is the investment announced by the Government of Spain with the objective of promoting digital skills in rural Spain.
This was announced by the Vice President and Minister for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, Teresa Ribera, under the title of Plan ‘Rural Digital Challenge’ within the National Plan for Digital Competences.
An initiative that aims to help alleviate what is known as the ‘digital divide’, promote digital inclusion and, therefore, improve not only the quality of life of the inhabitants of these areas. If not that emptied Spain is truly attractive for workers from all over the country -and therefore from all over the world- decide to move to these municipalities and help in the conservation and in the non-abandonment of these regions.
A plan that It has three backbones: access to digital technologies, training in digital skills and the use of digital tools in rural areas. Helping to improve the local economy, the competitiveness of companies and the initiative of entrepreneurs.
Measures to help digitize rural Spain
Among the measures, it is worth highlighting the installation of infrastructures with the purpose of improve internet access in these rural areas. Hoping that more than 1,000 municipalities and more than 3 million inhabitants will benefit.
Also the creation of a program of training in basic digital skills for the inhabitants of rural areas. Such as, for example, the use of mobile devices and internet browsing, programming and data analysis.
The promotion of use of digital tools in rural areas, such as electronic commerce and teleworking will also be another of the measures in this plan. As well as creating a support system for entrepreneurs in rural areas, providing advice and financing to help entrepreneurs launch their businesses in rural areas.
According to the Federation of Rural Development Associations, the plan is an important step to reduce the digital divide and promote economic development in rural areas.
