UK Begins Mobile Market Review to Boost SA 5G

The UK government is seeking guidelines from the mobile industry and wider ecosystem on how it can support investment in the country’s network infrastructure. The country targets widespread standalone 5G coverage by 2030.

The government said it has launched a market review to achieve this aim. It is asking stakeholders to provide details on: the impact of technology and market developments on investment and competition; policy levers which could unlock future investment; the appropriate quality of service and level of coverage needed to realise the benefits of SA 5G; and how the government can ensure a regulatory framework to support its objectives in the market.

With an ambition for all populated areas to have SA 5G at the turn of the decade, the government explained its call for evidence would enable it to build a clear picture as to how the market is changing and ensure policy and regulation support innovation, competition, and consumers, and do not act as a barrier. Liz Lloyd, the Minister for the Digital Economy, noted that mobile operators have made rapid progress on coverage, with SA 5G extending to 83% of UK premises despite deployment only beginning in 2023.

She acknowledged the cost of rolling out advanced networks remains high, with estimates suggesting “up to £34 billion is required for the deployment of advanced 5G to 2030”. Greg McCall, BT Group’s chief security and networks officer, said it welcomed the market review, which rightly recognises the critical importance of stimulating more investment in mobile infrastructure. “Such investments could generate up to £230 billion in new economic opportunities for the UK, but this can only be unlocked within the right policy framework.”