UK Operators Ask for Policies to Boost Network Investment

Mobile UK, an industry association of the UK’s mobile operators, pleaded for authorities to take action in several areas to push for infrastructure investments. Those areas also include tax and planning changes.

A report produced by Assembly Research argues for numerous policies to improve the environment for infrastructure investment and provide knock-on economic gains from improved connectivity. Among the policies suggested are the repurposing of the £320 million taken in annual licence fees to enhance capacity and coverage in areas deemed most in need, and planning reforms already identified by the government to be expanded to aid mobile infrastructure.

On the latter, the analyst house noted reforms to planning made by authorities have so far been geared around new data centre and housing projects, but noted these will require access to mobile infrastructure, rollouts of which are being slowed by outdated regulation. Other suggestions include a business rates holiday on new mobile infrastructure, supporting the switch-off of 2G, appointing digital champions to speed up 5G rollouts, and implementing the Product Security and Telecommunication Infrastructure Act in full.

Mobile UK noted the government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill and Autumn Budget represented missed opportunities to directly address mobile infrastructure investment, urging action in upcoming spending reviews and infrastructure policies. “The government has rightly identified growth as its top priority and called on the UK’s telecoms industry to help strengthen the economy. Now, it’s crucial for the government to prioritise mobile infrastructure, enabling operators to accelerate investment in coverage and capacity,” said Hamish MacLeod, CEO of Mobile UK.