Recommendations & Conclusions
20 items
2
Conclusion
Thirty-Fifth Report - Supporting mobile…
Accepted
The Department has not identified the specific benefits it is aiming to achieve in the most remote areas of the UK to help guide decisions on where investment is most needed to improve connectivity. To secure good value from the Shared Rural Network programme, the Department needs to know where …
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The Department has not identified the specific benefits it is aiming to achieve in the most remote areas of the UK to help guide decisions on where investment is most needed to improve connectivity. To secure good value from the Shared Rural Network programme, the Department needs to know where improved connectivity will offer the greatest benefits for the funding available. However, the Department’s business case for the programme included limited evidence of the specific benefits of extending mobile coverage into remote and sparsely populated areas, where building masts may be more difficult or expensive, or where there may be an impact on the environment. Stakeholders from the northwest of Scotland, in areas which are particularly remote, have already raised concerns about the impact on the environment and questioned whether the benefits justify the investment of taxpayers’ money. The Department accepts that there is a need for more information on the benefits of improving connectivity in remote areas and says that the individual benefits of each mast will be set out as part of the planning process, which will help to test the benefits of each site. Recommendation 2: Now that the proposed locations of Shared Rural Network masts are more certain, the Department should revisit its cost benefit analysis 6 Supporting mobile connectivity to determine more precisely who will benefit, and how, from its investment in 4G connectivity. It should use this information to inform final decisions on mast locations and numbers and to communicate the case for investment to stakeholders.
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Government response AI summary
The department will refresh its benefits model and cost-benefit analysis using new data, including a study on consumer willingness to pay for connectivity, and will gather benefits data from exercise apps and conduct qualitative research with stakeholders.
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HM Treasury
4
Conclusion
Thirty-Fifth Report - Supporting mobile…
Accepted
The mobile coverage reported by Ofcom does not always reflect the actual level of service that businesses and consumers experience, and which may sometimes be significantly worse than reported. The data that Ofcom publishes on mobile coverage across the UK is based on modelled estimates provided by the mobile network …
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The mobile coverage reported by Ofcom does not always reflect the actual level of service that businesses and consumers experience, and which may sometimes be significantly worse than reported. The data that Ofcom publishes on mobile coverage across the UK is based on modelled estimates provided by the mobile network operators. Ofcom also conducts sample tests to check the data provided by the mobile network operators. However, the mobile coverage levels published by Ofcom do not always reflect the consumer experience. For example, trees, local geography or different building materials used within premises can affect the coverage that people experience. In addition, some people experience worse coverage inside premises and may only receive a 3G signal indoors, despite getting a 4G signal outside. The lack of a 4G signal in some locations may have implications for the connectivity people will experience when mobile network operators begin their planned 3G switch off, which they are due to do from this year and which has already started to happen. The Department has asked Ofcom to determine how it can improve coverage data to better reflect people’s experiences, and Ofcom is looking at how it can use crowd-sourced data for this purpose. The Department has said it will explore with Ofcom the setting up of a repository so that consumers can report coverage gaps directly. Recommendation 4: The Department should take urgent action to ensure that it has meaningful data on mobile coverage that reflects people’s actual experience. As part of this it should: Supporting mobile connectivity 7 • Work with Ofcom to develop ways that consumers and businesses can directly report coverage gaps in real-time to help build a more realistic and detailed picture of mobile coverage across the UK; • Ask Ofcom to examine any cases where areas have lost all mobile connectivity following 3G switch off; and • Ensure that mechanisms for measuring access to 5G coverage are fit for purpose.
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Government response AI summary
The department is working with Ofcom to obtain more granular signal data, experiment with crowd-sourced data, and consider appropriate signal thresholds. It will also ask Ofcom to examine cases of lost connectivity after 3G switch-off and report on standalone 5G coverage while reviewing 4G/5G definitions.
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HM Treasury
6
Conclusion
Thirty-Fifth Report - Supporting mobile…
Accepted
Progress in improving connectivity on UK railways has been hampered by a lack of up-to-date coverage data. Mobile connectivity along major rail routes remains poor and passengers can often struggle to make calls, stream videos or work online. Improving rail connectivity is very challenging, with tunnels, cuttings and safety glass …
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Progress in improving connectivity on UK railways has been hampered by a lack of up-to-date coverage data. Mobile connectivity along major rail routes remains poor and passengers can often struggle to make calls, stream videos or work online. Improving rail connectivity is very challenging, with tunnels, cuttings and safety glass on modern trains making reception difficult. It is also, according to the Department, expensive because it requires installation of infrastructure alongside the railway track. Improving connectivity on railways is the responsibility of the Department for Transport and proposals to improve mobile connectivity need to be judged alongside other priorities for investment on the railways. However, the data on rail mobile coverage that is available to inform these investment decisions is not fit for purpose. There is a lack of granular data showing, for example, mobile coverage for each metre of rail. The data is also out of date, with Ofcom publishing its last study on rail mobile coverage in 2019. Recommendation 6: Working with Ofcom and the Department for Transport, the Department should make a plan for more frequent collection of coverage data on the UK rail network to help it prioritise the rail lines where improvements in coverage is most needed. This information should be published on a regular basis so that rail travellers have clearer information on the coverage they will experience.
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees and has asked Ofcom to investigate using in-carriage scanners and crowdsourced data for rail connectivity. The Department for Transport has also commissioned a study using external scanners on engineering trains to establish baseline data by early 2025, with progress to be outlined …
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HM Treasury
1
Conclusion
Thirty-Fifth Report - Supporting mobile…
Accepted
On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (the Department) and Building Digital UK (BDUK), an agency of the Department, on progress in delivering UK-wide reliable mobile connectivity that meets the country’s needs now and …
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On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (the Department) and Building Digital UK (BDUK), an agency of the Department, on progress in delivering UK-wide reliable mobile connectivity that meets the country’s needs now and in the future.1 We also received written evidence from the Local Government Association, Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited, Three UK, BT Group, Virgin Media O2, Ericsson and Vodafone UK.2
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the committee's introductory conclusion and provides a general update on the Shared Rural Network (SRN) programme, stating that the overarching 95% coverage target is expected to be met ahead of schedule and within budget, with financial risk managed through existing grant agreements.
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HM Treasury
9
Conclusion
Thirty-Fifth Report - Supporting mobile…
Accepted
Both the Department and BDUK acknowledged that there have been significant cost challenges on the programme.15 On the Extended Area Service element of the programme, 7 C&AG’s Report, paras 7, 2.5 and 2.6 8 C&AG’s Report, paras 3 and 15; Department for Science, Innovation & Technology UK Wireless Infrastructure Strategy …
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Both the Department and BDUK acknowledged that there have been significant cost challenges on the programme.15 On the Extended Area Service element of the programme, 7 C&AG’s Report, paras 7, 2.5 and 2.6 8 C&AG’s Report, paras 3 and 15; Department for Science, Innovation & Technology UK Wireless Infrastructure Strategy April 2023 9 C&AG’s Report, para 6 10 Qq 2, 4 11 Q 3; C&AG’s Report, para 3.8 12 Qq 2–3 13 Qq 4 14 Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited (SMC0002) 15 Q 25 Supporting mobile connectivity 11 the Government’s costs have risen by an estimated £44 million due to irrecoverable VAT and inflation, while, on the Total Not Spot element, in late 2023, DMSL indicated that delivery of the planned number of sites and the increase in coverage required from this element was set to exceed the current level of associated government funding.16
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Government response AI summary
The government states that the 95% coverage target is on track to be met within budget, highlighting that the SRN grant structure caps government financial contribution for Total Not Spots, and BDUK is working to achieve maximum benefit within existing Extended Area Service funding.
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HM Treasury
10
Conclusion
Thirty-Fifth Report - Supporting mobile…
Accepted
To absorb these additional costs, the Department is considering its options. These include delivering the required increase in 4G coverage but with fewer masts.17 For example, BDUK estimates that only about 170 of the original 292 Extended Area Service masts could be needed to deliver the increase in coverage required …
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To absorb these additional costs, the Department is considering its options. These include delivering the required increase in 4G coverage but with fewer masts.17 For example, BDUK estimates that only about 170 of the original 292 Extended Area Service masts could be needed to deliver the increase in coverage required of this element, and also understands that the number of masts needed under the Total Not Spots may come down significantly from the current estimate of 260.18 However, the Department acknowledged that, in respect of extra costs being incurred by the Home Office, Ministers could choose to provide more funding, although currently the Department was looking instead to remain within the current cost envelope by optimising the number and placement of masts to deliver the required coverage.19
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Government response AI summary
The government confirms the 95% coverage target is expected to be met within budget, citing the SRN's capped grant fund for Total Not Spots that limits government contribution and requires MNOs to cover additional costs, while BDUK works to maximize benefit within Extended Area Service …
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HM Treasury
11
Conclusion
Thirty-Fifth Report - Supporting mobile…
Accepted
BDUK said that the mobile network operators will pick up any additional costs they incur in delivering the programme as they are required to deliver the coverage obligations in their licences from Ofcom. However, the licences also allow the operators relief from these obligations if costs have been excessive. BDUK …
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BDUK said that the mobile network operators will pick up any additional costs they incur in delivering the programme as they are required to deliver the coverage obligations in their licences from Ofcom. However, the licences also allow the operators relief from these obligations if costs have been excessive. BDUK told us that Ofcom would say that it needed to be reasonable in coming to its judgement about operator compliance with their licence obligations. However, we note that, if Ofcom were to grant such relief, this could put the achievement of the Government’s 95% target at risk.20
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Government response AI summary
The government states that the 95% coverage target is on track to be met ahead of schedule and within budget, emphasising that the Shared Rural Network's grant agreement structure caps government financial contributions, thereby transferring delivery risk to MNOs.
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HM Treasury
13
Conclusion
Thirty-Fifth Report - Supporting mobile…
Accepted
The Department’s business case for the programme as a whole identified a range of benefits, such as supporting tourism and business productivity in rural areas. It estimated that the programme would result in quantifiable benefits of £1,352 million. However, the business case included limited evidence of the specific benefits of …
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The Department’s business case for the programme as a whole identified a range of benefits, such as supporting tourism and business productivity in rural areas. It estimated that the programme would result in quantifiable benefits of £1,352 million. However, the business case included limited evidence of the specific benefits of extending mobile coverage into the more remote or sparsely populated areas, including locations where building masts may be more difficult or expensive, or where there may be an impact on the environment.22 We therefore asked how much of the £1,352 million benefits specifically related to enhanced connectivity in rural areas. The Department was unable to give a 16 C&AG’s Report, para 13 17 Q 25 18 Qq 26, 37 19 Q 25 20 Qq 6, 25; C&AG’s Report, paras 13, 3.15 21 Q 18; C&AG’s Report, para 2.12 22 Q 11; C&AG’s Report, para 9 12 Supporting mobile connectivity specific figure but said that the overwhelming majority of the benefits were in rural areas, because those tended to be the areas where the market has not been fully incentivised to deliver.23
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Government response AI summary
The government committed to refreshing its benefits model and cost-benefit analysis using new data, undertaking a study on consumer willingness to pay, gathering innovative benefits data from sources like exercise apps, and conducting further qualitative research to increase the evidence base on benefits in remote …
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HM Treasury
14
Conclusion
Thirty-Fifth Report - Supporting mobile…
Accepted
A number of stakeholders from Scotland, in areas which were particularly remote, have raised concerns about the programme’s impact on the environment and questioned whether the benefits justified the investment of taxpayers’ money.24 We therefore asked if the Department had done enough in its business case to identify the cost-benefit …
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A number of stakeholders from Scotland, in areas which were particularly remote, have raised concerns about the programme’s impact on the environment and questioned whether the benefits justified the investment of taxpayers’ money.24 We therefore asked if the Department had done enough in its business case to identify the cost-benefit analysis of putting masts in very rural areas. The Department told us that the business case was high level and could not be disaggregated for individual masts. This was because the programme was a deal between government and mobile network operators whereby the operators would fund the Partial Not Spot element and, in return for this, the Department would fund the Extended Area Service and Total Not Spot elements. It therefore needed to be viewed in the round.25
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees and commits to refreshing its benefits model and cost-benefit analysis by December 2024, including a new study on consumer willingness to pay and qualitative research, with findings to inform a Spending Review bid.
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HM Treasury
15
Recommendation
Thirty-Fifth Report - Supporting mobile…
Accepted
BDUK added that subsequent decisions about where masts should be located is allowing for greater specificity in identifying the programme’s benefits. For example, when seeking planning permission, DMSL must submit business plans for each cluster of masts and these should demonstrate what the individual and specific benefits for those locations …
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BDUK added that subsequent decisions about where masts should be located is allowing for greater specificity in identifying the programme’s benefits. For example, when seeking planning permission, DMSL must submit business plans for each cluster of masts and these should demonstrate what the individual and specific benefits for those locations will be. BDUK therefore expects the planning process to be a really important part of testing the benefits of those sites.26 In addition, over the couple of months to June this year, DMSL is conducting a site-by-site analysis of each proposed Total Not Spot site in terms of the coverage it delivers and its value for money. As part of this, DMSL is also meeting with community interest groups to discuss their concerns.27 The 5% of the UK landmass that will not have 4G connectivity
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees and commits to refreshing its benefits model and cost-benefit analysis by December 2024, using new data, conducting a consumer value study, gathering innovative benefits data, and undertaking further qualitative research to assess the programme's benefits.
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HM Treasury
18
Conclusion
Thirty-Fifth Report - Supporting mobile…
Accepted
We asked the Department about the scope for using alternative technologies, such as low earth orbit satellites in place of masts, to provide mobile coverage in those areas which would still have no 4G coverage after the completion of the Shared Rural Network programme. The Department told us that it …
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We asked the Department about the scope for using alternative technologies, such as low earth orbit satellites in place of masts, to provide mobile coverage in those areas which would still have no 4G coverage after the completion of the Shared Rural Network programme. The Department told us that it was already undertaking trials of the use of such technology in areas where there were serious issues in providing access to broadband services. The trials were going very well and local feedback had been very positive. The Department noted that satellite-enabled mobile telephones were currently expensive both in terms of their upfront costs and the ongoing subscription costs.31 However, it expected that over time that satellite technology would probably become the most cost-effective solution for the relatively few premises in the 5% of the UK without 4G coverage.32 30 Q 40; C&AG’s Report, para 13 31 Qq 14–16 32 Qq 59–60 14 Supporting mobile connectivity 2 Data on mobile coverage Reported coverage versus people’s experience
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees with the conclusion but primarily reiterates that the Shared Rural Network is technology-neutral, allowing partners to choose the best technologies, including satellite if it meets minimum speed requirements, without committing to specific new actions regarding satellite trials or deployment.
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HM Treasury
19
Conclusion
Thirty-Fifth Report - Supporting mobile…
Accepted
Ofcom is responsible for collecting and publishing data on mobile coverage. Ofcom’s coverage data are based on modelled estimates provided by the mobile network operators. Ofcom checks the modelled data by conducting sample tests using antennas attached to some of its vehicles.33 We showed the Department maps of 4G and …
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Ofcom is responsible for collecting and publishing data on mobile coverage. Ofcom’s coverage data are based on modelled estimates provided by the mobile network operators. Ofcom checks the modelled data by conducting sample tests using antennas attached to some of its vehicles.33 We showed the Department maps of 4G and 5G coverage across the country which are based on Ofcom’s reported coverage; the Department acknowledged that people’s experience of mobile coverage may be worse than what is reported by Ofcom.34 The Local Government Association also wrote to us with its concerns about the disconnect between the level of reported coverage and the real-life experience of residents, especially in rural areas.35 The Department said that local factors, such as trees, geography and the type of building materials used within premises, can mean people experience worse coverage than Ofcom reports.36
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees and commits to working with Ofcom by January 2025 to improve mobile coverage reporting by obtaining more granular signal strength data from MNOs and experimenting with crowdsourced data to better align reported coverage with real-life experience.
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HM Treasury
20
Recommendation
Thirty-Fifth Report - Supporting mobile…
Accepted
For the Shared Rural Network programme, the Department reports progress on improving outdoor coverage and not indoor coverage. The Department confirmed that it collects data on indoor coverage. Understanding whether people can get a mobile signal indoors is important because, for example, people in rural constituencies may use 4G as …
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For the Shared Rural Network programme, the Department reports progress on improving outdoor coverage and not indoor coverage. The Department confirmed that it collects data on indoor coverage. Understanding whether people can get a mobile signal indoors is important because, for example, people in rural constituencies may use 4G as an alternative to having a fixed broadband connection at home.37 Furthermore, mobile network operators have started switching off their 3G signals. This may mean that people who can get 4G outside their home but can currently only get a 3G signal inside may be left without mobile data indoors when their operator switches off 3G. The Department explained that Ofcom has agreed clear expectations with the mobile network operators that, as they switch-off their 3G services, they need to provide a similar 4G service.38
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees and commits to working with Ofcom to improve mobile coverage reporting, including exploring additional data sources and consumer reporting mechanisms, and will ask Ofcom to examine cases where 3G switch-off leads to loss of connectivity and to report on standalone 5G coverage.
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HM Treasury
21
Conclusion
Thirty-Fifth Report - Supporting mobile…
Accepted
The Department told us that local gaps in 4G coverage may not be due to the lack of a mast, but due to the nature of the equipment on that mast; for example, the antennas may not be angled correctly or the equipment may not be strong enough to provide …
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The Department told us that local gaps in 4G coverage may not be due to the lack of a mast, but due to the nature of the equipment on that mast; for example, the antennas may not be angled correctly or the equipment may not be strong enough to provide full coverage. However, the Department acknowledged that the coverage data it currently has does not enable it to understand these very local gaps in coverage or to identify the infrastructure adjustments needed to address them.39
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees and commits to working with Ofcom by January 2025 to obtain more granular signal strength and quality data from MNOs, and to experiment with crowdsourced data to better understand local 4G coverage gaps.
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HM Treasury
22
Recommendation
Thirty-Fifth Report - Supporting mobile…
Accepted
As part of the wireless infrastructure strategy, the Department asked Ofcom to improve its understanding of local coverage gaps. In 2023, Ofcom started using crowdsourced data to better measure the speed of connection that people experience at a local level. The Department explained that it would like similarly detailed data …
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As part of the wireless infrastructure strategy, the Department asked Ofcom to improve its understanding of local coverage gaps. In 2023, Ofcom started using crowdsourced data to better measure the speed of connection that people experience at a local level. The Department explained that it would like similarly detailed data for areas with no mobile coverage, but that the crowdsourced data cannot yet provide this. Nonetheless, the Department told us that it expects big improvements in the level of detail of the coverage data that Ofcom will be publishing later in 2024.40 Such improvements should benefit consumers as better information about gaps in coverage should incentivise mobile 33 Qq 24, 44; C&AG’s Report, paras 1.8, 3.21 34 Qq 16, 24 35 Local Government Association (SMC0001) 36 Q 24 37 Qq 23–24, 27 38 Qq 41–42; C&AG’s Report, para 5 39 Qq 42, 46 40 Qq 24, 44 Supporting mobile connectivity 15 network operators to improve their coverage. We asked the Department whether there was any way for members of the public to feed in when and where they are not getting a good signal. The Department responded that, while no such site currently exists, it would speak to Ofcom about developing a central repository for people to report coverage gaps.41 Measuring improvements to road and premises coverage
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees and commits to working with Ofcom by January 2025 to explore methods for consumers to report coverage gaps and to incorporate third-party data to improve mobile coverage reporting.
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HM Treasury
23
Conclusion
Thirty-Fifth Report - Supporting mobile…
Accepted
As part of its Shared Rural Network programme, the Department aims to extend 4G coverage to 280,000 additional premises and an additional 16,000 kilometres of UK roads by December 2025.42 Many of the expected benefits of the programme come from increased premises coverage.43 To ensure that mobile network operators deliver …
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As part of its Shared Rural Network programme, the Department aims to extend 4G coverage to 280,000 additional premises and an additional 16,000 kilometres of UK roads by December 2025.42 Many of the expected benefits of the programme come from increased premises coverage.43 To ensure that mobile network operators deliver these increases, Ofcom included premises and roads targets in the operators’ spectrum licences. However, Ofcom will not assess whether mobile network operators have met these targets until the end of the licence period in 2027.44
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees and states BDUK is engaging with Ofcom and MNOs to establish ways to track roads and premises coverage ahead of the official licence obligation assessment in January 2027, with a target implementation date of January 2025.
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HM Treasury
26
Conclusion
Thirty-Fifth Report - Supporting mobile…
Accepted
The Department recognised that it needs to do more work to understand its impact on road coverage, and told us it is working with Ofcom and with the mobile network operators to improve the information available.50 Nevertheless, the Department told us that it is confident that, come December 2025, it …
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The Department recognised that it needs to do more work to understand its impact on road coverage, and told us it is working with Ofcom and with the mobile network operators to improve the information available.50 Nevertheless, the Department told us that it is confident that, come December 2025, it will be able to assess whether it has met its premises and roads targets,51 and that, based on the data it has received from the mobile network operators to date, it expects to meet the target.52 41 Qq 43, 51 42 Q 49; C&AG’s Report, para 2.3 43 Q 11 44 Q 27; C&AG’s Report, para 2.6 45 Qq 49–50 46 Qq 27, 49–50 47 Qq 27, 28 48 Q 28 49 Q 19 50 Q 19 51 Qq 49–50 52 Q 28 16 Supporting mobile connectivity Mobile coverage on railways
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Government response AI summary
The government states BDUK is committed to working with Ofcom and mobile network operators to ensure mobile coverage data continues to be published and expanded, and is engaging to consider publishing decimal point coverage figures and better tracking roads and premises coverage ahead of the …
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HM Treasury
28
Conclusion
Thirty-Fifth Report - Supporting mobile…
Accepted
The Department told us that it lacks sufficiently detailed data of coverage across the railways. To understand the coverage challenges along different stretches of track, it needs data for each metre. In 2020, the National Infrastructure Commission recommended that Ofcom should report on mobile coverage on the railways at least …
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The Department told us that it lacks sufficiently detailed data of coverage across the railways. To understand the coverage challenges along different stretches of track, it needs data for each metre. In 2020, the National Infrastructure Commission recommended that Ofcom should report on mobile coverage on the railways at least every two years. Ofcom’s last study on rail coverage was in 2019. The Department said that it had asked Ofcom to improve reporting of coverage on the railways, including improving how Ofcom measures coverage.54
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees and states it has asked Ofcom to report on rail coverage and investigate new data methods, while the Department for Transport has commissioned a study using scanners on engineering trains to establish baseline data by early 2025.
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HM Treasury
29
Conclusion
Thirty-Fifth Report - Supporting mobile…
Accepted
The Department told us that Network Rail, and in turn therefore the Department for Transport and its accounting officer, are responsible for the business case for improving connectivity on the railways. Owing to the infrastructure required, the case for improving connectivity has to be judged alongside other priorities for investment …
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The Department told us that Network Rail, and in turn therefore the Department for Transport and its accounting officer, are responsible for the business case for improving connectivity on the railways. Owing to the infrastructure required, the case for improving connectivity has to be judged alongside other priorities for investment on the railways. Project Reach, Network Rail’s programme to improve connectivity on the railways has been delayed, with some key rail lines missing out. The Department acknowledged that, as it and the Department for Transport learn more about the gaps in coverage and the case for intervention, they will want to do more to improve connectivity on the railways.55 53 Qq 19, 21; C&AG’s Report, para 4.14 54 Qq 19, 22; C&AG’s Report, para 4.14 55 Qq 19–22 Supporting mobile connectivity 17 3 Plans for 5G and future connectivity Establishing the case for 5G
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Government response AI summary
The department has asked Ofcom to report on mobile coverage on the rail network in its annual report and the DfT commissioned a study using scanners to measure mobile signal strength. The department will outline progress in future updates.
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HM Treasury
30
Conclusion
Thirty-Fifth Report - Supporting mobile…
Accepted
Government’s plans for investing in future mobile connectivity are set out in its 2023 wireless infrastructure strategy. 5G is the latest generation of wireless technology. Non-standalone 5G, which makes use of existing 4G infrastructure, can be faster than 4G, while standalone 5G technology, which uses 5G infrastructure throughout, enables even …
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Government’s plans for investing in future mobile connectivity are set out in its 2023 wireless infrastructure strategy. 5G is the latest generation of wireless technology. Non-standalone 5G, which makes use of existing 4G infrastructure, can be faster than 4G, while standalone 5G technology, which uses 5G infrastructure throughout, enables even higher speeds and the ability to connect thousands of devices in a small area.56 The Department outlined potential uses for standalone 5G technology, such as in advanced manufacturing, the operation of ports, healthcare and enhancing sporting, cultural and music events.57 It claimed that widespread UK adoption of standalone 5G could bring cumulative productivity benefits of between £41 billion and £159 billion between 2021 and 2035.58
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Government response AI summary
The government reiterates its commercially-led strategy for standalone 5G deployment, without subsidy, and describes existing and ongoing programmes like the Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, 5G Testbeds and Trials, Open Networks, and 5G Innovation Regions, with future evaluations planned for 2025.
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HM Treasury