4G masts switched on in Wales aiming to close the digital divide and spur economic growth
This month, March 2024, 86 4G masts have been switched on in Wales. The forms part of the UK government-funded Shared Rural Network (SRN), a £1billion plan to boost mobile connectivity.
A reminder that the Shared Rural Network (SRN) is a deal with EE, O2, Three and Vodafone to invest in a network of new and existing phone masts, overseen by Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited. Through this, the UK government set out an ambition to achieve 95% 4G mobile coverage across the UK landmass by December 2025 - up from 91.4% when the programme launched in March 2020.
However, the National Audit Office noted in February 2024 that the programme is behind schedule, and that it is unclear whether the expansion of 4G mobile connectivity in rural areas will be delivered on time. techUK continues to hear from members on the cost pressures and delayed planning system impacting investment and delivery timelines.
Showcasing the enabling effect of mobile connectivity, the first of 86 4G masts switched on in Wales will hope to benefit residents, tourists, and business owners and boost economic growth in areas such as Pont-rhyd-y-groes, Ysbyty Ystwyth, LLanafan,Tynygraig, and West Fedw and Trawsgoed.
Where do we stand on the UK government's mobile connectivity ambitions?
Future mobile connectivity plans were outlined in the UK government's 2023 Wireless Infrastructure Strategy (WIS). Many techUK members welcomed the strategy, with targets and aims to kick-start investment and innovation in 5G infrastructure. The WIS also set out the new ambition for standalone 5G in all populated areas by 2030. But, one year on, we want to take stock of what has already been delivered, and what more needs to be done to enable future connectivity. At techUK's upcoming webinar on 16 April, we will be convening industry to delve deeper into this.
techUK continues to bring together key connectivity players to establish key barriers to the rollout and uptake of digital infrastructure and connectivity. Through our Telecoms Infrastructure Working Group, we collate insight on current policy and regulatory challenges. Key messages continue to voice the need for UK government departments to treat telecoms as a sector with significant economic value and national importance. In line with this, the next government must realise where digital connectivity meets their objectives - including the adoption of future cutting edge technology across industry and increased social inclusion.
There is no doubt that access to good quality mobile connectivity is key to growing the UK economy and tackling the digital divide. But the right incentives must be in place to enable this. This includes classifying strategic digital infrastructure as nationally significant and the need for a longer-term R&D strategy.
Last week's call on tightening rules to broadband poles also made clear that collaboration between industry, communities and local authorities is paramount for mobile connectivity delivery and to meet local needs. Along with collaboration, techUK continues to hear from members on the need to improve mobile network economics to deliver 5G ambitions by anchoring next-generation spending and confirming/codifying a di-minimis approach to small cells/network densification. As well as enabling quicker and more efficient delivery of economic benefits, including completing PSTI and ECC implementation.
As outlined in our UK Tech Plan, to drive further investment and ensure uptake of both gigabit-capable and 5G technology, techUK continues to call for the next Government to work with the telecoms sector to devise a new strategy that includes targets to achieve 85% full fibre take-up by 2030 and encourage the widespread adoption of standalone 5G across businesses.
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Contact the team
Sophie Greaves
Sophie Greaves
Sophie Greaves is Head of Programme for Communications Infrastructure and Services at techUK, and oversees the UK Spectrum Policy Forum.
Sophie was promoted to Head having been Programme Manager for Communications Infrastructure and Services, leading techUK's telecoms activities, engagement and policy development. Previously, Sophie was Programme Assistant across a variety of areas including the Broadband Stakeholder Group, Central Government, Financial Services and Communications Infrastructure programmes.
Prior to joining techUK, Sophie completed a masters in Film Studies at University College London; her dissertation examined US telecoms policy relating to net neutrality and content distribution.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 020 7331 2038
- Twitter:
- @SJMJames1
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiegreaves/
Tales Gaspar
Tales Gaspar
Tales has a background in law and economics, with previous experience in the regulation of new technologies and infrastructure.
In the UK and Europe, he offered consultancy on intellectual property rights of cellular and IoT technologies and on the regulatory procedures at the ITU as a Global Fellow at the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI).
Tales has an LL.M in Law and Business by the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV) and an MSc in Regulation at the London School of Economics, with a specialization in Government and Law.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- +44 (0) 0207 331 2000
- Website:
- www.techUK.org
- LinkedIn:
- www.linkedin.com/in/talesngaspar
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