Source · Select Committees · Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Second Report: 5G market diversification and wider lessons for critical and emerging technologies
Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
HC 450
Published 4 February 2021
Government response
Fifth Special Report - 5G market diversification and wider lessons for critical and emerging technologies: Government Response to the Committee’s Second Report of 2019-21 · published 29 Apr 2021
Recommendations & Conclusions
3
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Para 23
In addition to considering the case for transitioning away from 2G and 3G technologies, the...
Recommendation
In addition to considering the case for transitioning away from 2G and 3G technologies, the Government should propose measures within the next six months that could facilitate market entry by existing vendors in the near-term. It should consider options for …
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Government Response Summary
The government is working with mobile operators, suppliers, and users to set a clear roadmap for transitioning away from 2G and 3G technologies. It commits to supporting R&D for innovative deployment methods like standalone 5G and Open X2 but declines to mandate specific technical solutions, preferring to encourage competition and innovation instead.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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17
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
The Government cannot rely solely on removing barriers to market entry to diversify the telecommunications...
Recommendation
The Government cannot rely solely on removing barriers to market entry to diversify the telecommunications vendor market, but must also ensure that network operators actively pursue diversification and act to maintain the diversity achieved. This will require a combination of …
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Government Response Summary
The government accepts the need for measures to incentivise diversification, citing an initial £250 million R&D investment and ongoing work with network operators. While they will set out further steps before summer recess, they do not commit to publishing specific measures with an indicative timetable within the recommended three months.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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20
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
The Government should seek to establish a dedicated, standing forum for international co-operation on diversifying...
Recommendation
The Government should seek to establish a dedicated, standing forum for international co-operation on diversifying the telecommunications market, encompassing as many like-minded countries as possible and covering aspects including: research and development; adoption and deployment; standards; and overall strategy. This …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees on the need for international cooperation on telecommunications market diversification and intends to build a global coalition. It has made telecoms diversification a G7 priority and is engaging bilaterally with international partners, though it does not provide a specific timetable for establishing a dedicated standing forum.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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22
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
The Government must treat the current issues in the UK’s 5G vendor market as an...
Recommendation
The Government must treat the current issues in the UK’s 5G vendor market as an indication of a much wider geopolitical, technological challenge. The character of the UK’s response, and that of other like-minded nations, will have profound implications for …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the profound implications of technological divergence and commits to promoting innovation and working with international partners. However, it does not commit to publishing a White Paper within twelve months, instead stating that various forthcoming strategies (Digital, Data, Innovation, Defence S&T, AI) will collectively outline its approach to critical and emerging technologies.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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23
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Para 90
As part of its White Paper on global technological divergence, the Government should develop a...
Recommendation
As part of its White Paper on global technological divergence, the Government should develop a critical technologies strategy that identifies technologies that are likely to be of critical importance to the UK’s prosperity and security over the next ten to …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees on the need for a long-term plan for critical technologies and aims to grow the UK's Science and Technology Power by 2030. While not committing to a single White Paper, it states that multiple forthcoming strategies (Digital, Data, Innovation, Defence S&T, AI) will collectively set out its approach. A new function in the Government Office for Science will also provide analysis.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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