Broadband Digital Deprivation Index

Broadband Digital Deprivation Index (BDDI) 

This is a sector-led project developed by Point Topic in 2012. 

The index models the risk of low broadband adoption based on availability, affordability and socio-economic factors. 

According to the 2023 Index, out of a total of 309 local authorities, Somerset districts ranked as follows: Mendip (218), Sedgemoor (239), Somerset West & Taunton (259) and South Somerset (264).

A score of 1 indicating being at least risk of being digitally deprived vs a score of 309 indicating being at most risk of being digitally deprived. 

The index was last updated in early 2025 using Census 2021 indicators and broadband adoption data.  

The next update is expected in early 2026 to incorporate data from Indices of Deprivation 2025. 

The Indices of Deprivation 2025 indirectly considers digital deprivation risk and connectivity (e.g. broadband speed) as part of its new methodology. As it now includes new indicators such as low broadband speeds within the “Barriers to Housing and Services” domain.  

Further information on the BDDI can be found here