To close out the year our Chief Executive, Hamish MacLeod joins our Director of Policy and Communications, Gareth Elliott, for the final podcast episode of 2024.  

In this special episode the pair sit down to reflect on a busy year that has seen the General Election, three operators switching off 3G, and a trip in a helicopter for Gareth.

Tackling fraud in 2024

Fraud is a major focus for the mobile network operators and the industry has so far blocked over 1 billion scam messages as part of its ongoing fight against fraud. During the episode Hamish touches on his ongoing collaborative work with Government on the Sector Fraud Charter. This work has seen an impressive 30% decrease in online fraud activity. These efforts to protect customers and businesses will continue into 2025.

Rural connectivity

Developing rural connectivity has been a key industry area of work in 2024. The mobile industry has invested £532 million into the Shared Rural Network to improve mobile coverage and boost connectivity across the UK.  

Gareth and Hamish proudly reflect on the achievements of the mobile network operators in making progress to improve mobile coverage across the home nations now reaching 95% of the UK landmass.

Investment environment

Much of Mobile UK’s work is centred around policy work and, with a change in government the investment environment continues to be a high priority.  

Earlier this year Mobile UK commissioned a report produced by White Hawk Green entitled ‘The Rebalancing Act’.  

This report highlighted a £25 billion investment gap, integral to the roll out of advanced 5G Stand Alone networks. It put forward solutions to support Government in pursuing UK connectivity and economic goals as set out in the wireless infrastructure strategy.  

The recommendations made were included in Mobile UK’s five-point manifesto to Government including the reform of annual license fees, and net neutrality regulations, overhauling the planning system, centrally funded Digital Champions and business rates holidays for new mobile infrastructure.

Watch the podcast episode

Gareth and Hamish explore Government’s progress so far on Mobile UK’s five key asks alongside public perceptions around mobile infrastructure and more.  

To learn more about the industry progress in 2024 and the focus for 2025 watch and listen to the latest podcast episode here.

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