New plans unveiled to improve 5G connection across UK's towns and cities

10 April 2023 , 23:01

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The Government has set aside £40 million to improve 5G access across the UK (file image) (Image: Getty)

Millions of pounds are set to be ploughed into connecting the UK's towns and cities to 5G networks, the Government has announced.

Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan will unveil a £40 million 5G innovation fund as well as £8 million to make sure the most remote homes have access to broadband.

Officials plan to ensure all populated areas of the country to be covered by standalone 5G by 2030.

In a statement the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology said: "From driverless vehicles, robots and drones on the factory floor to making our cities smarter, cleaner, and less congested; innovation is set to be supercharged."

At the moment around 77% of the population has access to basic 5G from one provider, the Government says.

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Ms Donelan said: “This package of measures turbocharges our progress towards becoming a science and tech superpower with a substantial initial investment in the future of telecoms.

Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan is set to announce new investment in 5G technology

"We want to ensure that 6G is developed to meet the needs of people and businesses right across the UK and bolster our international competitiveness throughout the economy."

Hamish MacLeod, Chief Executive of Mobile UK said: “Mobile UK welcomes the Government’s Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, which recognises the challenges faced by operators in rolling out full 5G.

"We are encouraged by the commitment to ensure net neutrality regulations are fit for purpose, a role for public investment in 5G, and a call to Ofcom to review annual spectrum fees.

"World-class mobile connectivity must be based on a framework that incentivises investment; this Strategy marks an encouraging first step along that road, and we will work with the Government to ensure this is what it delivers.”

Dave Burke