Rural connectivity champion, Dr Neil Hudson MP, welcomed the Government's new plans to boost digital connectivity and unlock growth, innovation and potential across all communities. The announcement commits the UK to rolling our the next evolution of 5G, investing in future telecoms technologies and rolling out specialised satellite broadband to the most remote communities - including some in the Lake District.
This is backed up by an investment package worth almost £150 million - with up to £100 million earmarked to put the UK at the forefront of future research in telecoms and £40 million to boost 5G take-up.
As part of the Wireless Infrastructure Strategy the Government has set out ambitious plans to connect the nation to the fastest, most reliable wireless coverage available. This will see populated areas receive standalone 5G coverage by 2030.
The announcement also commits £8 million to delivering high-speed broadband for up to 35,000 of the UK's most remote properties through satellite links. Certain properties in the Lake District are set to benefit from this project which will make broadband connection up to ten times faster than what is currently available to them.
Dr Neil Hudson is a great supporter of better connectivity, both physical and digital, and thus welcomed the news enthusiastically. The Penrith MP ushered in Cumbria's £100 million gigabit broadband rollout and recently met with contractors Fibrus to assess the progress. Locally this includes the establishing of a training academy based at Penrith's Newton Rigg which will see at least 90 apprentices trained in futureproof careers.
The UK is due to hit 75% gigabit broadband coverage this month, up from just 6% in 2019, and while Cumbria is still lagging behind the national trend, the Government is on track to deliver 99% by 2030.
Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, said:
"This is another brilliant commitment from a Government that has unlocking rural digital potential at the heart of decision-making. We in Cumbria have long struggled with poor broadband and wireless coverage but I am pleased Government is listening to me and responding to this. Thanks to significant Government investment more and more rural communities are getting connected.”
"I have heard people loud and clear, and will continue to push ahead with my Better Connectivity campaign so rural communities like ours are supported moving forward.”
To help the mass adoption of 5G across the country, the strategy sets out a clear pro-investment framework for mobile network operators by driving down deployment costs and improving demand. The government has also reconfirmed that there is no ‘magic number’ of mobile operators, whilst noting all decisions on consolidation are for the Competition and Markets Authority.
Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan added:
"Our Wireless Infrastructure Strategy sets out our plan to ensure everyone, no matter where they live, can reap the benefits of improved connectivity. We are doing this by ensuring all populated areas in the UK will be served by what I call ‘5G-plus’ technology by 2030. We are also committing £8 million to provide satellite connectivity for our most remote communities so that no one is left behind.
"We are also supporting long term economic growth in the UK with a £40 million fund to encourage innovative 5G investment across the private and public sector. This will help industries transform at a time when the ways we communicate, work and do business are on the precipice of significant evolution.
"This package of measures turbocharges our progress towards becoming a science and tech superpower with a substantial initial investment in the future of telecoms. We want to ensure that 6G is developed to meet the needs of people and businesses right across the UK and bolster our international competitiveness throughout the economy."
