New plans and investment to boost digital connectivity and put the UK at the forefront of future telecoms technologies have been unveiled by Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan on Tuesday 11 April. Which will potentially unlock growth, innovation and potential across the UK.
As part of the new Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, the UK Government has set out its ambitions to blanket the country with the fastest, most reliable wireless coverage available. With an ambition for all populated areas to be covered by ‘standalone’ 5G, what some companies call 5G-plus by 2030. 77% of the population already has access to basic 5G from one provider.
This next iteration of 5G coverage across the country will unlock new technologies that will change lives and the way businesses operate, at a time when connectivity is key to evolution. From driverless vehicles, robots and drones on the factory floor to making cities smarter, cleaner, and less congested; innovation is set to be supercharged.
The announcement also commits £8 million to delivering high-speed broadband for up to 35,000 of the UK’s most remote properties. Under the new scheme, homes and businesses in the most remote areas that are unable to be connected to gigabit-capable broadband will be given funding to link them up to satellites orbiting the globe, giving them a broadband connection that will be up to ten times faster than what is currently available to them.
Additionally, a £40 million 5G innovation fund will promote investment and adoption of 5G by businesses and public services, helping them unlock opportunities to use advanced wireless connectivity, generating value, innovation and growth at a local level.
To help the mass adoption of 5G across the country, the strategy sets out a clear pro-investment framework for mobile network operators by driving down deployment costs and improving demand. The government has also reconfirmed that there is no ‘magic number’ of mobile operators, whilst noting all decisions on consolidation are for the Competition and Markets Authority.
The UK is due to hit 75% gigabit broadband coverage this month, up from just 6% in 2019, and is on track to deliver 99% by 2030.
Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan commented, “our Wireless Infrastructure Strategy sets out our plan to ensure everyone, no matter where they live, can reap the benefits of improved connectivity. We are doing this by ensuring all populated areas in the UK will be served by what I call ‘5G-plus’ technology by 2030. We are also committing £8 million to provide satellite connectivity for our most remote communities so that no one is left behind.”
“While also supporting long term economic growth in the UK with a £40 million fund to encourage innovative 5G investment across the private and public sector. This will help industries transform at a time when the ways we communicate, work and do business are on the precipice of significant evolution.”
“This package of measures turbocharges the progress towards becoming a science and tech superpower with a substantial initial investment in the future of telecoms. We want to ensure that 6G is developed to meet the needs of people and businesses right across the UK and bolster our international competitiveness throughout the economy.”
Source: GOV.UK