New plans and investments are in place to boost the UK's digital connectivity and put the country at the forefront of future telecom technologies.
Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan stated that the government will lead by example, “putting wireless connectivity right at the heart of new and existing infrastructure” to ensure that it builds the right framework suitable for the digital age.
An investment package worth almost £150 million was unveiled, with up to £100 million allocated to pioneer future telecoms and 6G research; £40 million to drive 5G adoption; and an additional £8 million to further promote new satellite connectivity to the most remote 35,000 locations.
The package is aligned with the new Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, which sets out the government’s ambitions to provide the fastest, most reliable wireless coverage available nationwide. As per the new policy, all populated areas are aimed to be covered by 5G standalone (5G SA) by 2030.
According to the latest figures, in April 2023, the UK is due to hit 75% gigabit broadband coverage. The country is already on track to deliver this high-speed internet access at 99% by 2030. Moreover, 77% of the population already benefits from basic 5G access.
In preparation for 6G development, improved 5G coverage across the country will unlock new technologies that will change people’s lives and business operations.
Innovation is set to be supercharged in the UK across use cases like driverless vehicles, robots and drones. This will lead to smarter, cleaner and less congested cities.
Donelan explained that these new measures will support their path towards becoming a “science and tech superpower” with a substantial investment intended for the future of telecoms.
In addition, the revamped Spectrum Strategy was also made public, with a focus on innovation in the use and management of spectrum to create greater growth opportunities and societal benefits.
Following the UK's wireless infrastructure ambitions, the government asked the country’s communications regulator, Ofcom, to review and set out a clear and forward-looking rationale for its approach to setting mobile spectrum fees before the end of 2023.
