The UK government is set to revolutionize digital connectivity by 2030, aiming for 100% gigabit-capable broadband and widespread 5G access.
This ambitious plan, announced at the Connected Futures Festival, promises to enhance economic growth and improve public services across the nation.
Transforming Digital Infrastructure
The UK’s commitment to achieving full gigabit-capable broadband coverage by 2030 marks a significant step towards enhancing its digital infrastructure.
With telecommunications companies investing £40 billion, this initiative aims to ensure that every home and business has access to ultrafast internet.
The government’s investment of nearly £60 million in research and development further underscores its dedication to leading in connectivity technologies.
In addition to broadband expansion, the UK plans to extend standalone 5G coverage nationwide by 2030. Currently available outside 95% of homes and businesses, this technology promises faster internet speeds and improved connectivity for all citizens.
Such advancements are expected to drive economic growth by enabling businesses to operate more efficiently and public services to deliver more effectively.
Addressing Digital Exclusion
Recognizing the importance of digital inclusion, the UK government has launched the Digital Inclusion Action Plan.
This initiative aims to tackle digital exclusion by ensuring everyone has access to devices and essential digital skills.
By bridging the digital divide, the government hopes to provide equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status.
Opportunities for Innovation
- The UK is exploring quantum secure communications as part of its advanced technology initiatives.
- Preparations for 6G are underway with the JOINER research platform leading efforts.
- Global companies like Ericsson, Nokia, and Samsung are conducting R&D in the UK.
A Global Leader in Connectivity
The UK’s focus on advanced connectivity technologies positions it as a potential global leader in digital innovation.
By fostering international collaborations with tech giants such as Ericsson, Nokia, and Samsung, the country aims not only to enhance its own infrastructure but also influence global standards in connectivity technologies.
This strategic positioning could strengthen geopolitical alliances with countries pursuing similar technological advancements.
Full Speech by Sir Chris Bryant
Speech as delivered
“Hello. My name is Chris Bryant and I’m the telecoms minister. I’m really sorry I can’t be with you. Well, I’m here with you virtually, which I suppose is particularly important for the kind of connectivity that we’re talking about. But I’m afraid that, as you’re meeting, I will be in Parliament for the spring statement, when the Chancellor of the Exchequer will be talking about economic growth and how we get the economy to really springboard into the future.
I suppose that’s the key part of what I want to say today, which is that connectivity is a vital part of making sure that the UK economy grows, that everybody gets a chance to participate in our economic future, and that we embrace the technological changes that can make so many differences to people’s lives, whether in the delivery of public services or in the delivery of all the services that we rely on, whether it’s ordering a pizza, parking your car, or engaging with our local GP and seeing our latest test results.
I know that the geopolitical picture looks uncertain at the moment, and many parts of our lives, of course, are uncertain. Sometimes, trying to predict the future is difficult. That’s one of the reasons that, whereas we’ve always talked about “future telecoms” in the past, we’re changing the terminology to something which I think suits much better the situation that we face today. And that’s why instead of referring to “future telecoms”, we’re now going to be referring to “advanced connectivity technologies”, because advanced optics and satellite communications aren’t the ghosts of telecoms futures anymore, but actually telecoms present – let’s face it! Last year, Aston University transmitted data 4.5 million times faster than the average home broadband connection. We have started to send data through visible light. And Vodafone made the first video call via space last year. I’m an MP for a constituency in South Wales in The Valleys, and so I was very happy to see that that call took place from a remote Welsh mountain. The death of “notspots” may just about be in sight for us all!
The breakthroughs we are seeing mean that the UK could once again be a leader in connectivity over the next ten years, and I’m absolutely determined that we take forward those opportunities.
But before I take you into the future, let’s just pause briefly in the present. As we shape the next generation of connectivity, we must remember that some people in this country haven’t yet got this generation of technological connectivity. There’s 1.6 million people in the UK who live largely offline. We have to factor them into our future, and our ambition is to have gigabit-capable broadband in every home and in every business, and higher quality 5G to all populated areas by 2030. Through the Digital Inclusion Action Plan, which we’ve recently launched, we’ll make sure people also have the devices and skills to be part of a digital future. We want to tackle digital exclusion so that we can take the whole of our country with us. So, deploying the best technology we have today and taking a leading role in shaping the technologies of tomorrow is vital to our economic success.
We will shape them, obviously, with global allies – but we will be guided by three central ideas. First of all, do they bring connectivity to everyone, everywhere, whatever your circumstances? Secondly, do they have security and resilience built in from the start? And thirdly, are they built sustainably, so that better connectivity gets us closer to net zero and not further away? These are all equally important, fundamental principles and ideas behind what we’re trying to achieve in this area.
The UK has the potential to be at the forefront as we develop these technologies. For a start, we build on research from some of the best universities in the world, and the JOINER research and innovation platform gives them a unique test network to prepare for 6G. British firms are getting connectivity to places it hasn’t gone before, like trains, offshore wind farms and space. BT, who nearly two centuries ago set up the world’s first nationwide communications network, are now leading the way with Toshiba in trials of quantum secure comms. And global companies like Ericsson, Nokia and Samsung have all chosen to do R&D work here in this country, in the United Kingdom.
We will shape them, obviously, with global allies – but we will be guided by three central ideas. First of all, do they bring connectivity to everyone, everywhere, whatever your circumstances? Secondly, do they have security and resilience built in from the start? And thirdly, are they built sustainably, so better connectivity gets us closer to net zero and not further away? These are all equally important, fundamental principles and ideas behind what we’re trying to achieve in this area.
The UK has the potential to be at the forefront as we develop these technologies. For a start, we build on research from some of the best universities in the world, and the JOINER research and innovation platform gives them a unique test network to prepare for 6G. British firms are getting connectivity to places it hasn’t gone before, like trains, offshore wind farms and space. BT, who nearly two centuries ago set up the world’s first nationwide communications network, are now leading the way with Toshiba in trials of quantum secure comms. And global companies like Ericsson, Nokia and Samsung have all chosen to do R&D work here in this country, in the United Kingdom.
We can and should go further, though, making the UK a global leader in advanced connectivity. And that’s where the government and industry really must work hand-in-hand. We will strengthen our supply chains – that’s really important. Today we will publish the government’s response to the report from the Telecoms Supply Chain Diversification Advisory Council, outlining how we will support a thriving ecosystem of suppliers for our networks. I’m immensely grateful to all those who took part in the Council’s work.
We will back your growth in this sector. Advanced connectivity will be one of the growth markets in our Industrial Strategy within the digital and technology sector. That means the backing across Whitehall to help you succeed. As a sign of that commitment, today I can announce that we will invest nearly £60 million over the next year, 2025 to 2026, to support UK leadership in R&D so that more of the technology providing the world’s critical connectivity is developed here in the UK.
If we get this right, then ten years down the line we will be able to say that this technology has made people’s daily lives better, put more money in people’s pockets and helps to keep the UK and our allies safe in a turbulent world. That’s a connected future we can only build together.
Thank you and I hope you have a good conference today.”
Additional Reading
In a Nutshell
The UK’s ambitious plans for enhanced connectivity promise significant benefits for both individuals and businesses across the nation.
By investing in cutting-edge technologies and addressing digital exclusion, these initiatives aim not only at economic growth but also at improving quality of life through better access to services and opportunities.
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Sources: UK Government, Ofcom, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and Sir Chris Bryant MP.
Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization dedicated to providing insightful analysis on current events, prepared this article.
