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Shaping the Future: UK's Connectivity Ambitions

  Celebrating Connectivity in the Docklands

A Historic Hub for Growth and Prosperity In a dynamic address to the Connected Britain event, the UK government unveiled its ambitious three-step plan for propelling the nation into a new era of digital connectivity. Speaking at the historic Docklands, a symbol of Britain's past and future as a global hub, the government laid out its vision to ensure secure, reliable, and high-quality connectivity for communities and businesses across the country. With the conviction that connectivity is the key to economic growth and innovation, the plan is poised to shape the future of telecommunications in the UK.  

Step 1: Extending Fixed and Wireless Coverage

Connecting the Nation, One Gigabit at a Time The first pillar of the government's plan revolves around the relentless drive to extend fixed and wireless coverage. The goal is nothing short of ensuring resilient gigabit broadband to 85% of the UK by 2025 and to over 99% by 2030. Remarkable progress has already occurred, as gigabit broadband availability has soared from a mere 6% in 2018 to an impressive 77% today, primarily driven by healthy competition. The government remains committed to fostering competition in the broadband market as the optimal strategy for achieving strategic objectives. To eliminate practical and regulatory barriers to deployment and innovation, the government enacted the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act last year. With provisions now actively playing a role and a commitment to implementing all aspects of the Act by the end of 2024, the pace of installation, upgrades, and sharing of telecoms apparatus is set to accelerate.   Accelerated Roll-Outs In a bid to accelerate broadband rollout, the government is introducing 'flexi-permits' in early 2024, providing fixed-line operators with greater freedom in fiber installation. Furthermore, the National Underground Asset Register, which maps underground infrastructure, is revolutionizing maintenance and operations while enhancing worker safety. Under the £5 billion Project Gigabit, 39 procurements and contracts are currently underway, offering over £2 billion in funding to improve broadband connections for up to 1.1 million premises. Additionally, the voucher scheme has been a resounding success, benefitting rural communities across the UK. With 100,000 vouchers already issued, these initiatives are ensuring connectivity even in the most remote areas through satellite and innovative technologies.  

Step 2: Paving the Way for 5G and Beyond

5G as a Catalyst for Productivity Growth Step two of the plan focuses on unleashing the potential of 5G technology. Basic 5G has been made available to 85% of premises, but the government recognizes that this is just the beginning. Widespread adoption of 5G has the potential to yield up to £159 billion in productivity benefits by 2035. The Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, introduced earlier this year, aims to deliver high-quality, standalone 5G to all populated areas by 2030. To support this vision, the government is committed to reducing costs, increasing revenues, and ensuring that regulations do not stifle innovation. The government is working closely with Ofcom to update spectrum licensing fees and net neutrality guidelines, with a keen focus on facilitating investment and innovation. The Barrier Busting Task Force continues its work to remove obstacles to the deployment of gigabit-capable and 5G networks.   Rural Connectivity Champion Supporting rural communities and businesses to access high-quality connectivity remains a top priority. The government's 10-point plan for rural connectivity is reinforced by the appointment of Simon Fell MP as Rural Connectivity Champion. Simon's role is to assess how the government can further assist rural communities in adopting advanced wireless connectivity. The government's 5G Innovation Regions program, supported by an investment of up to £40 million, is ready to enable local and regional authorities to harness the advantages of 5G and advanced wireless connectivity.  

Step 3: Preparing for the Future of Telecoms

The UK's Pioneering Role in Future Telecoms The third step of the government's plan looks to the horizon, anticipating the telecoms opportunities of tomorrow. The UK government recognizes future telecoms as a critical technology that will shape British society and the economy. This vision extends to the exploration of 6G technology and beyond. Future telecoms promise universal satellite coverage and innovative solutions like drone networks for energy efficiency and flexible deployment. The UK aims to leverage foundational research and early-stage innovation to secure its place as a science and tech superpower. With a £100 million investment in future telecoms and 6G research and development, the UK stands ready to take the lead in groundbreaking technologies. The government places a strong emphasis on collaborating with international partners, ensuring that global standards and regulations for telecom networks align with the UK's strategic interests.  

Security and Resilience in a Connected World

Protecting Networks, Shaping the Future As connectivity increasingly takes center stage in society and the economy, the government is actively strengthening the security and resilience of digital infrastructure. The Telecommunications Security Act and subsequent regulations have firmly established the UK as a leader in telecom security. The government has employed national security powers to regulate the use of specific goods and services within the UK's telecoms networks. In response to Huawei's removal from UK 5G networks, the government has initiated the 5G Supply Chain Diversification Strategy, supported by the £250 million Open Networks R&D Fund. This strategy aims to expand the telecoms supply chain market, promote competition, and bolster resilience. The UK is also strengthening collaboration with international partners, ensuring that standards align with the needs of open and interoperable technologies. Spectrum management is central to this effort, with a commitment to enhancing spectrum sharing and advocating for the UK at key international fora.  

A Call for Unity in Building the Digital Economy

Building a Stronger, Connected Future Together In closing, the government emphasized the importance of collaboration in driving investment, adoption, and innovation to elevate the economy across the UK. The three-step plan embodies a commitment to delivering connectivity, preparing for the future, and ensuring security and resilience in a connected world. Together, these initiatives aim to position the UK as a global leader in telecom innovation and connectivity.   Sources: THX News, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology & The Rt Hon Sir John Whittingdale OBE MP. Read the full article