Recommendation 7

HM Government Acknowledged

The Government remains focused on the UK becoming a world leader in 5G mobile technology, and for consumers and businesses across the UK to see the benefits of 5G as fast as possible. The Secretary of State was clear in his statement to the House of Commons on 14 July 2020 that the position on Huawei will have implications for rollout. This is a necessary cost to ensure the security of our 5G networks and protect our national security. To support the sector in overcoming the challenges this may present, it is important that the Government works to ensure that the planning system continues to support the deployment of mobile infrastructure. Following an in-principle consultation in 2019, we are working with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local development rights, to support the rollout of 5G infrastructure and extend mobile coverage, particularly in rural areas. We plan to publish the technical consultation in the Spring. Looking to the future, there is more we can do to deliver lasting and meaningful change in the 5G supply chain and pave the way for a vibrant, innovative and dynamic market. That is why we have published our Diversification Strategy which ​ sets out our long-term vision for a healthy supply market, characterised by the principles of openness, flexibility and diversity. As a first step toward delivering our long-term vision, the Government has committed an initial investment of £250 million, to kick off work to deliver our key priorities. To accelerate network deployment, the Government has also published a public ​ consultation on whether further reforms are required to the Electronic Communications Code, which regulates agreements between landowners and mobile network operators for the installation and maintenance of network apparatus. efficient deployment and upgrading of the UK’s digital networks. In March 2017, the Department launched the 5G Testbeds and Trials Programme to support our 5G ambitions. The Government is investing £200 million in the ​ programme, to accelerate the adoption of 5G, maximise the productivity, economic ​ and social benefits from 5G, and help UK businesses create innovative products and services using 5G. This nationally coordinated programme of 5G testbed facilities and application trials is supporting a wide range of projects. There are currently 27 live projects, which test deployment models of new wireless infrastructure and 5G technologies in different sectors of the economy. Our interventions support industry, academia and local authorities to realise the benefits of high speed networks and create new commercial opportunities. All four mobile network operators have now launched their 5G networks. There has been a significant increase in the number of places that benefit from 5G as the number of base stations providing 5G services has risen tenfold to around 3,000 across the UK according to Ofcom. Examples of this include the village of Inchinnan in Renfrewshire, the coastal resort of Llandudno in Conwy, the city of Lisburn in the Belfast Metropolitan Area and the town of St Blazey in Cornwall. majority of the UK will have access to a 5G signal by 2027. We will continue to keep the Committee updated on progress with this. In relation to its targets for gigabit-capable broadband and 5G, the Government is monitoring progress on a regular basis and will consider the timing of any formal review, noting the Committee’s recommendation. The Government is content to report back to the Committee on progress during the next two years and beyond.