The Master’s thesis research sheds light on how digital inequality limits regional development and highlights what must be done to close the urban–rural digital gap.

Businesses and residents in rural Lapland continue to face significant challenges due to inadequate internet connectivity. The Master’s thesis research by Martti Ahvenjärvi at Lapland University of Applied Sciences, conducted as part of the Interreg Aurora Arctic 6G project, sheds light on how digital inequality limits regional development and highlights what must be done to close the urban–rural digital gap. The research analysed survey data and interview material collected by the Arctic 6G project from 148 business operators, residents, and local actors in Northern Finland.

The objective of the thesis was to assess the specific needs and expectations of rural businesses regarding next-generation data networks, with a focus on the upcoming 6G mobile technology. The study aimed to identify how connectivity issues stemming from poor existing connections affect business operations, daily life, and regional attractiveness — and to evaluate what strategies could be implemented to foster digital inclusion.

Businesses report frequent disruptions in online meetings, difficulty processing digital transactions, and limited access to essential cloud-based services. Particularly affected are sectors like tourism and healthcare. Additionally, residents experience problems with remote education and basic communications, highlighting the critical role of digital connectivity in modern life. The thesis findings confirm that slow, unstable, or unavailable internet services pose daily operational difficulties for businesses and restrict the adoption of new digital tools.

The study highlights real-world impacts of the digital divide: disrupted remote work and education, safety concerns due to poor mobile coverage, and reduced competitiveness and business opportunities. Several respondents noted that unreliable connections have forced them to maintain manual backup systems or avoid digital services altogether. These issues are not only technical—they influence broader economic and social development. In areas where reliable connectivity is lacking, people and businesses are more likely to relocate to better-served urban centres, further accelerating regional disparity.

The research emphasizes that future network developments must prioritize inclusion. Upgrading the networks in already well-connected regions does not help communities that still lack even basic digital infrastructure. The key conclusion of the thesis is clear: sustainable rural development depends on equal access to digital connectivity.

To bridge the digital divide, the study recommends a combination of targeted infrastructure investment, regional policy support, and capacity-building programs that enable rural businesses to make full use of modern technology. These measures are vital not only for economic growth but also for safety and attractiveness of sparsely populated regions.

For further information

Martti Ahvenjärvi
Email: martti.ahvenjarvi@gmail.com
Thesis: https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025060420137