5G and Beyond: The UK’s Wireless Strategy

“The Wireless Infrastructure Strategy outlined by the UK government aims to improve connectivity, promote innovation, and drive economic growth in the telecoms sector. While it is an ambitious approach, its successful implementation will require extensive knowledge sharing and collaboration among stakeholders.”

— Connor (writer)

At the start of 2023 the Prime Minister outlined his five immediate priorities and ambitions to “grow the economy” and “create better-paid jobs”. Since then, the Technology Secretary, Michelle Donelan, has announced a new Wireless Infrastructure Strategy as “the foundation on which we build industries, jobs, skills and services for the future”.

This strategy intends to build on the 2019 Conservative Party Manifesto pledge, “to provide full fibre and gigabit-capable broadband to every home and business across the UK by 2025”.

What Strategic Developments are Taking Place?

5G Adoption: The Technology Secretary outlined an “ambition to deliver nationwide coverage of standalone 5G to all populated areas by 2030”. A £40 million investment fund will be established to encourage businesses and public services to adopt 5G technologies. [1]
Rural Connectivity: The strategy also includes a commitment of £8m in capital grants to bring high-speed broadband to 35,000 remote properties. An emphasis on increased collaboration between local authorities, infrastructure operators and supply chains aims to support greater efficiencies in delivery planning, as flexible permit solutions are explored.
6G Research: Initial funding of £100 million has been committed as part of a fully-fledged 6G Strategy to shape and drive early-stage research into 6G and influence global standards setting. [1]
External Investment: In addition, the multi-national telecommunications company Ericsson will support the UK to research and deploy 6G, establishing a new research unit in the UK, as part of a £10 million investment. [2] Such pioneering research is a huge vote of confidence in the UK’s capabilities to provide innovative solutions which improve connectivity available to the public.

What does this mean for the Telecommunications Sector?

The CEO of techUK, Julian David, welcomed the strategy: “It’s fantastic to see the government set out its vision for advanced communications infrastructure across the UK”. Mobile UK CEO, Hamish MacLeod, identified the strategy as an “encouraging first step”.

For telecoms companies, the government’s strategy signals a reduction in regulatory barriers to investment and innovation. Operators hope to benefit from planning reforms and legislature changes included in the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022.

The phasing out of legacy technologies such as 2G and 3G over the coming years will also free up spectrum and encourage additional market competition. Focus is also shifting to our road and rail sectors, with vast opportunities to address patchy coverage issues whilst we travel. This includes aspirations to develop ‘rail-5G’, AI-enhanced traffic signal optimisation, and self-driving vehicle technologies with accompanying infrastructure. [3]

Looking to the Future:

Beyond 6G, the next generation networks will herald a new, richer cohort of internet-based services, power rapidly growing global digital economies, and support net zero. Networks owned and operated by telecoms organisations will encompass a diverse range of technologies, including sophisticated AI, cloud-based computing, and quantum-enabled networks of drones and satellites.

Research institutions such as the Future Telecoms Research Hubs will play a fundamental role in enabling innovation, helping to build an intellectual property portfolio to strengthen UK companies’ global competitiveness, as well as provide the foundation for companies to scale-up and grow. [4]

This Wireless Infrastructure Strategy is an ambitious approach designed to catalyse the next generation of networks in the UK. Whether or not the rhetoric is realised, the telecoms industry should benefit from renewed investment and a bold vision for new wireless communications technologies.

Crucially, the rollout of this strategy will require extensive knowledge creation and sharing. Deecon are well placed to support, having worked with some of the UK’s leading telecoms organisations and their supply chains. Contact us to hear about Deecon’s telecoms experience and our expert service offering.