In a new report, Ready, Set, Connect: Delivering a Roadmap to Supercharge the UK’s Digital Infrastructure, the CBI has called on Government to commit to support mobile connectivity as strongly as fibre networks while delivering policy at a digital pace.

The report builds on much of the recommendations and suggestions made by Mobile UK in its Building Mobile Britain campaign and specifically calls for:

• Better access to private land for communications service providers
• Easing of planning restrictions on new infrastructure
• A review of the business rates system

Most importantly the CBI calls on the Government to raise its level of commitment for digital connectivity and to treat fixed and mobile infrastructure on an equal level. This is critical for the UK to ensure it maintains its place as a leading digital economy.

Gareth Elliott, Head of Policy and Communications at Mobile UK, said:

“Mobile UK welcomes the CBI’s new report Ready, Set, Connect which rightly raises the urgency level on Government to ensure the right policy, planning and regulatory environment is in place to ready the UK for 5G. If this is to happen a step change is required in the Government’s level of commitment to mobile connectivity. As the CBI report states, there is no time to waste.”

Notes to Editors

1. Mobile UK is the trade association for the UK’s mobile network operators -  EE, O2, Three and Vodafone.
2. The CBI’s report Ready, Set, Connect: Delivering a Roadmap to Supercharge the UK’s Digital Infrastructure can be found here.