Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 30
30
Accepted
Government's wireless strategy highlights substantial economic benefits from standalone 5G adoption
Conclusion
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
Government Response 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.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
7.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Spring 2025 7.2 Standalone 5G deployment by the MNOs is funded by commercial investment, with no government subsidy. That is why the department set an ambition for standalone 5G to all populated areas, rather a specific target, through the Wireless Infrastructure Strategy. The department monitors progress against its ambition by using the 5G coverage data published in Ofcom’s Connected Nations report. The Strategy also included a comprehensive framework of demand and supply side interventions to support 5G deployment by the MNOs. The department continues to work with industry to understand what further interventions are needed to support 5G investment. 7.3 The 5G Testbeds and Trials programme, completed in 2021, highlighted the benefits of 5G and tested innovative applications and deployment methods. This helped businesses and the public sector understand the benefits of 5G, how to adopt them and accelerated the development and deployment of open interface architectures. The interim evaluation for the programme was published in 2023 and informed the government’s 5G ambitions set out in the Wireless Infrastructure Strategy. 7.4 The Open Networks Programme, which aims to support diversity of supply in the UK’s 5G supply chain, and the 5G Innovation Regions are still in delivery. The 5G Innovation Regions are delivering 5G solutions across the UK, helping the public sector and businesses develop their use cases for 5G while building up local infrastructure. The department will provide an evaluation of these programmes following their conclusion in 2025.