Securing UK Growth: Why Government Must Prioritise Mobile Infrastructure Now
The telecoms industry is highlighting the critical need for the Government to pivot its focus on mobile infrastructure, specifically within the upcoming Infrastructure Strategy, to secure the UK’s economic growth goals and maintain its competitive standing.
Mobile UK, the trade association representing the UK’s four mobile network operators, is urging the Government to take immediate action to stimulate increased investment in this vital area, which will drive economic expansion across the nation.
A new report, “Mobile Infrastructure Investment: The UK’s Route to Growth”, commissioned by Mobile UK and conducted by Assembly Research, underscores the significant economic benefits of robust mobile infrastructure, noting that every £1 invested can generate £5 for the wider economy. The report outlines key recommendations for government action to unlock this potential.
While the Government has successfully incentivised private sector investment in the fixed broadband market, Mobile UK asserts that a similar policy focus is now essential for mobile infrastructure.
The Assembly Research report identifies crucial areas where government intervention will significantly boost investment and benefit the economy, including:
- Repurposing ALFs to improve mobile coverage and capacity.
- Revising planning rules to facilitate network deployments.
- Implementing the PSTI Act now and in full.
- Introducing a business rates holiday on new mobile infrastructure.
- Evolving the UK’s net neutrality regime.
- Supporting operators’ plans to switch off 2G services.
- Appointing digital champions to help expedite 5G rollouts.
- Tackling not-spots via the Shared Rural Network programme.
- Aligning with European policy reforms aimed at attracting investment.
Mobile UK notes that the recent “Planning and Infrastructure Bill” and the Autumn Budget represented missed opportunities to directly address mobile infrastructure investment. Looking ahead, the upcoming Spending Review and Infrastructure Strategy present crucial opportunities for the Government to signal its commitment to mobile by strongly focussing on this essential sector.
Mobile UK is calling on the Government to recognise the pivotal role of mobile infrastructure in driving economic growth and to promptly implement the recommendations detailed in the Assembly Research report.
Commenting on the publication of the new report, Hamish MacLeod, Chief Executive of Mobile UK, said:
“The Government has rightly identified growth as its top priority and called on the UK's telecoms industry to help strengthen the economy. Now, it’s crucial for the Government to prioritise mobile infrastructure, enabling operators to accelerate investment in coverage and capacity. This will be fundamental to underpinning growth and fostering innovation throughout the UK economy, and the upcoming Spending Review and Infrastructure Strategy are key moments to demonstrate this commitment.”
