The UK government recently launched a new Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, which aims to deliver 5G connectivity to all populated areas in the UK by 2030, as well as investing in the next generation of wireless technology. The strategy includes a comprehensive plan for 6G to ensure that the UK is at the forefront of the next generation of wireless technology.
The UK government has established a national mission, supported by up to £100m ($130m) of initial funding, to secure the UK's place in "future telecoms" and 6G technologies. Future telecoms were identified as one of the five critical technologies in the government's Science and Technology Framework to deliver growth, increase prosperity, and create better-paid jobs across the UK.
The strategy includes measures such as nationwide coverage of standalone 5G by 2030, with the government aiming to extend 4G coverage to 95% of the population. The government will also provide £40m of funding to establish eight to ten ‘5G Innovation Regions’ across the UK.
The plan includes continuing to remove practical barriers to the deployment of 5G infrastructure, confirming the government's openness to market consolidation, ensuring that net neutrality rules are fit for purpose, and reviewing and setting out a clear evidence-based and forward-looking rationale for its approach to setting spectrum fees by the end of 2023.
The government will also establish a national taskforce to encourage take-up and investment at the local level and boost public sector adoption of 5G and other advanced wireless connectivity. This will ensure that new hospitals have access to 5G or similar advanced wireless connectivity to support major improvements in healthcare delivery.
The government aims to establish a clear strategy for influencing the development of 6G to maintain its role as a science superpower. It will launch an £8m fund to provide capital grants to further promote new satellite connectivity to the most remote 35,000 premises. Funding for early-stage research will be coordinated through UK Research and Innovation and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council via the Technology Missions Fund.
The Wireless Infrastructure Strategy is also committed to improving rural connectivity. The government has launched an £8 million fund to promote satellite connectivity to the most remote areas in the country. The aim is to provide improved broadband to the 35,000 premises that are hardest to reach.
Project Gigabit is a £5 billion initiative to provide future-proof broadband to rural areas. £1 billion has already been allocated to the project. £1 billion has also been invested in the Shared Rural Network to provide 4G coverage to 95% of the UK landmass.
Ofcom has been asked to improve mobile coverage reporting, including in rural areas, and to improve access to spectrum for rural network providers. A ‘Rural Connectivity Champion’ will also be appointed to support the adoption of advanced wireless connectivity and promote innovation in industries like agriculture.
The Wireless Infrastructure Strategy aims to future-proof and provide resilient connectivity to over 99% of the UK by 2030. However, the government acknowledges there will still be some areas – around 100,000 premises – where gigabit will not be possible. The government is committed to providing improved connectivity to these areas and ensuring that rural communities have access to the connectivity they need to drive economic growth.
The Wireless Infrastructure Strategy is expected to create more job opportunities, particularly in the technology sector. The strategy's focus on future telecoms and 6G technologies will encourage more investment in research and development, leading to the creation of new and innovative products and services. The establishment of 5G Innovation Regions across the UK will also create job opportunities in the areas of research, development, and implementation of new technologies. Overall, the Wireless Infrastructure Strategy will play a critical role in boosting economic growth and creating better-paid jobs across the UK.
