_{Author: Gareth Elliott, Director of Policy and Communications, Mobile UK.}

The UK has the potential to be a global leader in 5G and the next generation of mobile networks. We possess the ingenuity, talent, and technology to transform our economy, enhance public services, and empower every citizen with the connectivity that defines the 21st century. This connectivity is even more crucial considering the Government's ambitious AI plan, which will rely heavily on robust and pervasive mobile networks to deliver its transformative potential. But this ambitious vision is under threat. Outdated regulations, a stifling investment climate, and a lack of decisive action risk sidelining the UK, leaving us to watch as other nations seize the opportunities of the digital revolution. This is not a time for caution; this is a moment for bold ambition, for decisive action, for a future where the UK can take its position as a world leader in mobile.

Unlocking this potential requires a fundamental shift in how we approach infrastructure development. The Government rightly emphasises planning reform, but its focus on housing and data centres must be broadened to include the critical role of our digital infrastructure. The current planning system, a bureaucratic mess plagued by delays and uncertainty, acts as a significant barrier to the swift and seamless rollout of 5G. This is akin to building a high-speed digital highway on a pothole riddled road. To truly unlock the potential of our digital future, we need a radical overhaul, not incremental tweaks. This requires a significant investment in the planning system itself, empowering it with the resources and digital tools necessary to efficiently process applications. This is not merely about streamlining processes; it's about transforming the planning system into an enabler of growth, not a barrier to it.

This transformation must be underpinned by a supportive fiscal environment. The upcoming Budget offers a crucial opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to growth. The current spectrum tax regime, a millstone around our necks, stifles investment, hinders innovation, and threatens our global competitiveness. We are not asking for handouts, but for a level playing field. Rather than taxing our industry, we propose enabling reinvestment of those funds into enhancing our networks, fostering growth and global competitiveness. This approach supports, rather than strangles, our industry. Furthermore, the current business rates regime penalises investment in vital mobile infrastructure. It's like taxing firefighters for putting out a fire. Urgent relief is needed to incentivise deployment, particularly in underserved areas.

To realise this vision, we must embrace a bold new approach to net neutrality. The current framework, while well-intentioned, risks shackling the very technologies that will drive our next wave of economic growth. We need to break free from the constraints of the past and create a regulatory environment that fosters a dynamic and competitive mobile market. This isn't about sacrificing consumer protection but about recognising that the time for incremental change is over. The UK's mobile industry is brimming with ideas, ready to unlock new frontiers of innovation. We urge the Government to be a true partner in this endeavour, to embrace the urgency of this moment, and to take decisive action now.

Local authorities are pivotal partners in this shared goal. However, navigating the complexities of mobile deployment demands specialised knowledge and dedicated resources that many authorities currently lack. We advocate for the creation and central funding of dedicated 'digital champion' roles within local authorities. These champions will act as crucial conduits, facilitating communication between the mobile industry and local communities, ensuring that the needs and priorities of residents are effectively integrated into network planning and deployment.

The future of the UK depends on our ability to embrace the digital revolution. By fostering a dynamic and competitive mobile ecosystem, we can unlock unprecedented economic growth, improve public services, and enhance the quality of life for all our citizens. This requires a bold and decisive approach from the Government, a true partnership with industry, and a commitment to creating an environment where innovation can thrive. The time for hesitation is over. The future of the UK hinges on our ability to seize this opportunity and become a global leader in the mobile age.

This article was replicated from LinkedIn which can be found here.

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