Digitalization is foremost a tool through the development and implementation of applications and platforms, it provides access to public services, education, and work opportunities. It has many benefits in the areas of public services – easier access after work hours, saves time, it’s cheaper, enables more time for public administration to deal with other work and it has an ecological dimension in reducing the use of papers. The digital solutions increase educational opportunities for the rural population and can boost the local economy, especially digital economy since the work in the digital economy is not tied to physical space.

Citizens in general give their support to digitalization in public services and other areas of life (in the area of banking, shopping, learning) but they believe that technologies can not replace human contact and physical availability of services. Especially in providing services to the elderly or marginalized groups with poor access to technology or adequate knowledge. Also, citizens see the danger of declining local trade or data theft. In going digital rural areas need to take this into account and search for solutions to overcome those threats (app for local producers, education of the population, implementing attractive local events and promoting local production).

When we are talking about smart cities or villages, it is not only the use of technology that makes them smart but finding innovative and efficient solutions for daily lives and preserving and improving ecological sustainability.

Optical infrastructure is one of the preconditions for the implementation of digital solutions and the development of digital economy and rural areas should be able to access financial funds for the development of this infrastructure.