Second Report: 5G market diversification and wider lessons for critical and emerging technologies

The government agrees with the urgency of diversification and commits to responding to the Diversification Taskforce report before summer recess. This response will detail the implementation strategy, including specific deliverables, milestones, and the approach to future R&D investment.

The government reinforces its commitment to Open RAN and open standards, citing an initial £250 million investment for R&D. It also details ongoing efforts to ensure UK market interests are represented at global technical standards bodies to support interoperability and security.

The government accepts the recommendation, highlighting that its Diversification Strategy already supports Open RAN and similar technologies. It has committed an initial £250 million investment for R&D in open technologies and will ensure UK market interests are represented at global technical standards bodies.

The government confirms that the UK Telecommunications Laboratory is being established as a key element of its R&D approach, with work progressing rapidly and extensive industry consultation underway. The Lab will enable new suppliers to demonstrate product performance and security, ensuring trust in validated equipment for network integration.

The government clarifies that its initial £250 million investment in R&D aims to supplement existing investment and agrees with the committee on the criticality of coordinating R&D across academic and commercial activities. It commits to setting out a clear, long-term vision and developing a coordinated and strategic approach to research, development, and innovation.

The government agrees with the need for coordinated R&D and states it has invested £250 million. It commits to setting out a clear, long-term vision, detailing further steps before summer recess, and developing a coordinated, strategic approach to strengthen UK capability in telecoms R&D.

The government acknowledges the importance of scale for new suppliers and states it is actively pursuing opportunities within its 5G Testbeds and Trials programme to prioritise open-interface technologies and new market entrants. It is also considering opportunities in mobile private networks to support vendor diversification.

The government is actively facilitating 5G deployment and pursuing opportunities within its funded programmes, such as 5G Testbeds and Trials, to prioritise open-interface technologies and new suppliers. It is also looking at mobile private networks to support new market entrants and scale, thus aligning diversification with 5G rollout.

The government agrees with the importance of Ofcom's role in security, noting that new powers under the Telecommunications (Security) Bill will expand Ofcom's responsibilities. It is also considering updating the Statement of Strategic Priorities to emphasize telecommunications security.

The government agrees on the critical need for international coordination and is committed to building a global coalition for telecoms diversification. It has made this a priority for the UK's G7 presidency and is proactively engaging with international partners bilaterally to identify opportunities for collaboration.

The government agrees on the importance of shaping international digital standards and clarifies that DCMS is actively engaging across various digital technical standards, including Internet, AI, and smart cities. It cites the development of EN 303 645 and efforts under the G7 presidency as examples of its broader engagement.

The government takes seriously the need to protect academic institutions and has implemented multiple measures, including publishing Trusted Research guidance, expanding the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS), launching a Digital and Tech China Strategic Communications Campaign, and enacting the National Security and Investment Bill to scrutinise investments.