Thought Leadership
Cornwall is a region defined by its rugged beauty, seasonal shifts, and vibrant communities. Yet, alongside its natural charm, unique infrastructure challenges arise. At Cornerstone, we believe robust digital connectivity should be available to everyone, no matter where they are in the UK, and this commitment has driven our partnership with the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust (CAAT). Our aim is to ensure that Cornwall’s communities, businesses, and emergency services stay connected, especially in times of critical need.
Championing Local Connectivity: A Collaborative Approach
Our partnership with the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust represents a powerful collaboration aimed at reinforcing connectivity in Cornwall. As part of this partnership, we recently spent two days at CAAT’s headquarters, meeting with key figures including Tim Bunting (Chief Executive of CAAT), Steve Garvey (Air Operations Officer and Paramedic), Andrew George (MP), and Steven Webb (former Mayor of Truro and CAAT supporter). Through these discussions, it became clear how transformative mobile connectivity can be, not only for CAAT’s life-saving operations but also for Cornwall’s social, transport, and community infrastructure.
This collaboration also reflects our commitment to Cornwall’s unique challenges. We’re listening to the needs of local organisations and stakeholders, who have shared insights into how reliable mobile connectivity enhances CAAT’s emergency response, supports daily operations, and opens doors for broader community engagement. Cornerstone’s work in Cornwall is a demonstration of how digital infrastructure can uplift communities by providing critical links for health, transport, and education across the region.
Vital Needs for Emergency Services in Cornwall
The Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust’s mission is to provide emergency response services to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, often reaching patients within a mere twelve minutes from the moment they’re called. With Cornwall’s rural landscape and dispersed communities, CAAT’s ability to rapidly transport individuals to specialist hospitals is vital. Their helicopter is more than just a vehicle; it’s a lifeline that connects people in crisis with life-saving healthcare.
Our work with CAAT highlights how essential reliable mobile connectivity is to their operations. CAAT’s team can swiftly coordinate logistics, access critical information, and communicate effectively as they respond to emergencies across the region.
In light of Cornwall’s seasonal population fluctuations, CAAT’s demand peaks during holiday periods, leading to an increase in the need for emergency response services. Recognising this, CAAT is adding an additional helicopter to handle the seasonal influx of visitors. Just as CAAT’s fleet expands to meet demand, so must Cornwall’s mobile infrastructure, which must be adaptable to support residents and tourists alike, offering seamless and reliable connectivity no matter the season.
Social and Educational Challenges in Cornwall
Cornwall faces several socio-economic challenges, being the third poorest county in the UK. Many Cornish residents encounter barriers to education, employment, and healthcare, and as such, Cornerstone recognises the role digital infrastructure plays in supporting these communities. Reliable mobile connectivity can help bridge these gaps by connecting people to essential services, reducing isolation, and creating new opportunities for social engagement and economic activity.
Beyond providing infrastructure, Cornerstone is committed to supporting skill development in Cornwall. Through initiatives such as the CNFE and Apprenticeship Programme, we aim to help develop talent locally, providing career pathways in technology and engineering in a region where access to further education and training is often limited. This commitment to enhancing local opportunity aligns closely with our mission to connect Cornwall’s people with new possibilities for growth and resilience.
Rail and Transport Connectivity in a Seasonal County
The transport needs of Cornwall, including its rail system, are also shaped by the ebb and flow of its population. Cornwall is a popular tourist destination, seeing significant population growth during holidays and festivals. During the recent Connected Britain 2024 event, Chris Bryant raised an essential question regarding this very issue: How can we ensure that Cornwall’s rail systems are sufficiently connected to meet the influx of people during holiday seasons?
This question reflects the broader connectivity needs of Cornwall’s transport systems. It’s clear that both rail and mobile networks must be equipped to serve not only the steady local population but also the surging seasonal visitors. Cornerstone sees an opportunity here to collaborate with the government to ensure Cornwall’s transport systems are digitally equipped, supporting both daily operations and the peaks in demand that seasonal tourism brings. In parallel, we’re dedicated to expanding Cornwall’s mobile infrastructure so that residents and visitors alike can rely on fast, secure connectivity whether travelling by road, rail, or on foot.
Supporting Cornwall’s Social, Vital, and Transport Infrastructure
Our recent meetings with local leaders, including CAAT’s leadership, council representatives, and members of Parliament, affirmed that connectivity is not just about technology—it’s about enhancing everyday life. Reliable connectivity supports vital emergency services like CAAT, powers public transportation, and enables social progress. Our work with CAAT exemplifies how digital infrastructure can support both health and resilience in Cornwall, ensuring that help is always in reach and that no one is left without essential connections.
As we work to expand and strengthen connectivity in Cornwall, Cornerstone remains dedicated to supporting the unique social, educational, and logistical needs of the region. Our partnership with CAAT is a testament to what can be achieved when we prioritise people, community, and innovation in our approach to infrastructure. Together, we’re building a future where Cornwall’s people are always connected to what matters most, no matter where they are or what season it is.
by Pat Coxen, CEO, Cornerstone
Pat joined Cornerstone as CEO in January 2023. He started his career in the British Army, serving for 15 years in the Royal Signals in Telecommunications and Cyber Security and the Royal Engineers in various roles.