Digitalization is establishing itself as one of the main tools for generating opportunities and tackling the demographic challenge in Castile and León.

The regional breakdown of the 4th Asteo Observatory, prepared by Asteo Red Neutra —a company in which Rurix holds a stake— together with Random Strategy, shows an especially positive perception of the potential offered by the Internet and new technologies for the future of rural municipalities.

Starting a business from a village

One of the most outstanding pieces of data is that 77% of Internet users in rural areas of Castile and León believe that the creation of online businesses and digital entrepreneurship can improve opportunities for those living in these territories. This figure is above the 74% recorded for Spain as a whole.

Connectivity also directly influences the choice of place of residence. For 65% of those surveyed in Castile and León, having good fiber optic connectivity is an important factor when choosing a town to live in, ten points above the national average recorded in the study.

In addition, 80% consider it essential to have a high-speed and stable connection to enjoy a good quality of life in rural areas.

Technology to remain in the territory

Digitalization is also linked to the autonomy of the elderly. Seven out of ten respondents believe that technologies such as telecare, sensors, or home automation can make it easier for them to remain in their own homes for longer.

The data shows that connectivity, entrepreneurship, and quality of life are increasingly related. For Rurix, whose infrastructure has a significant presence in rural territories of Castile and León, this evolution reinforces the value of continuing to connect small towns with high-capacity fiber networks.