Mobile UK, the voice of the mobile industry, welcomes the appointment of Jeremy Wright as the new Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Secretary.

Commenting on the new appointment, Hamish MacLeod, Director at Mobile UK said:

“Mobile UK welcomes the appointment of Jeremy Wright as the new Digital Secretary. He comes in at a time when the industry is investing billions in its networks enhancing and extending coverage across the country. However, in setting the foundations to ensure the UK is a leading digital country, it is imperative that positive progress made by his department to bust through barriers that impede mobile networks roll-out continue to be prioritised.

“We welcome the Government’s decision to set up the barrier-busting task-force, but there continues to be several barriers that need to be overcome so that mobile operators can deploy critical infrastructure which is essential to the UK economy. Specifically, planning laws must be reformed to halve the time it takes to roll-out mobile infrastructure, and the Government needs to step in to ensure the active cooperation of landowners to work in partnership with operators recognising the fact that enhanced digital connectivity benefits all.”

About Mobile UK

Mobile UK is the voice of the United Kingdom’s mobile network operators - EE, O2, Three and Vodafone.