The UK government is taking proactive steps to boost mobile marketing efforts and drive widespread standalone (SA) 5G coverage by 2030. To achieve this ambitious goal, the government has launched a market review, calling on the mobile industry and wider ecosystem to provide evidence on how to support investment in network infrastructure.
As part of this effort, stakeholders are being asked to share their insights on key issues, including the impact of technological advancements and market developments on investment and competition. Additionally, experts will weigh in on policy levers that can unlock future investment, as well as the quality of service and level of coverage needed to realize the benefits of SA 5G.
With a vision for all populated areas to have access to SA 5G by the turn of the decade, the government wants to ensure its policies support innovation, competition, and consumers – rather than creating barriers. This call for evidence aims to provide a clear understanding of how the market is evolving and inform policy decisions that drive mobile marketing efforts forward.
According to Liz Lloyd, Minister for the Digital Economy, mobile operators have made significant progress in expanding coverage, with SA 5G now reaching an impressive 83% of UK premises – despite deployment only beginning in 2023. However, she acknowledges there is still more work to be done to achieve widespread adoption.
The cost of rolling out advanced networks remains a challenge, with estimates suggesting up to £34 billion is required for the deployment of advanced 5G by 2030. Meanwhile, experts like Greg McCall, BT Group's chief security and networks officer, emphasize the critical importance of stimulating more investment in mobile infrastructure to unlock new economic opportunities.
In his view, such investments could generate up to £230 billion in new economic opportunities for the UK – but only within the right policy framework. As the UK government continues its efforts to drive mobile marketing innovation and adoption, it's clear that a collaborative approach with industry stakeholders will be essential to achieving this ambitious goal.