The government sees connectivity as playing a critical role in growing the UK economy, delivering its "levelling up" agenda and ensuring the United Kingdom meets its "net zero" ambitions. It has recently published a call for evidence on a wireless infrastructure strategy that follows on from the 2018 Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review and the 2020 National Infrastructure Strategy.(1)
The government expects the most significant evolution in connectivity over the next decade to be in wireless networks. Accordingly, it says that the wireless infrastructure strategy will set out a strategic framework for the development, deployment and adoption of fifth-generation (5G) technology and future networks in the United Kingdom over the next decade. It will articulate a clear vision for how advanced wireless infrastructure can become an integral part of the fabric of the United Kingdom's economy and society by 2030 and make a significant contribution to growth and prosperity.
The call for evidence has been launched so that the government can understand in detail:
- the future wireless connectivity needs of the United Kingdom;
- the extent to which the UK market is likely to be able to meet those needs by 2030;
- how the regulatory and policy framework can best continue to support investment, competition, innovation and adoption of wireless infrastructure; and
- how the government can support the development and deployment of future wireless networks, including sixth-generation (6G) technology.
The government is seeking responses from a wide range of interested parties, including fixed and mobile network operators and service providers, academics, the public, consumer interest groups and businesses and their trade associations. The call for evidence closes on 25 November 2021.
For further information on this topic please contact Gordon Moir at Wiggin by telephone (+44 20 7612 9612) or email ([email protected]). The Wiggin website can be accessed at www.wiggin.co.uk.
Endnotes
(1) To access the call for evidence, click here.