电信行动计划：新政府的科技英国政策盘点

A techUK policy stocktake forthe next government June 2024 Executive Summary To hit the ground running, the next government should implement thesetelecoms industry action points as gathered by techUK. We have surveyedmembers and determined what has worked well since 2019, what hasn’t, andcrucially – what needs to be done. We recognise the success of the policy framework that has delivered full fibreto over 62% of UK premises1– this is a UK infrastructure story to be proudof. It is important to reflect on this success as it has occurred in the face ofunprecedented challenges including the pandemic, geopolitical tensions,inflationary pressure, and the cost-of-living crisis. We also recognise the shifting market dynamics impacting the public mobilenetwork operators in the coming years including rapid technological change,new entrants, and shifting economics, and offer simple actions to help improvethe picture for advanced connectivity, including 5G. Indoor connectivity – from neutral host provision to the advances in Wi-Fitechnology – is essential to the success of our Telecoms Action Plan, and weinclude some suggestions here too (but it is not our main focus). We wouldalways remind policymakers that the majority of connectivity usage is indoors. We offer key recommendations on Barrier Busting v2.0 (deployment); take-upand adoption; and ensuring policy and regulatory certainty. We also review the Wireless Infrastructure Strategy a year on from itspublication and suggest ways forward for meaningful progress. Introduction The UK telecoms sector, and the digital connectivity it delivers, is vital to the prosperity of the country. A keyfoundation of the economy, the sector contributes £32.7 billion to the UK economy and made up 1.5% of totalGVA in 2022.2Whether it’s to drive forward a digitalised energy system for the UK’s energy security, providebetter connectivity services for the NHS or to ensure street safety through CCTV upgrades, the enabling role oftelecoms demonstrates how pivotal it is in setting the UK on a secure future footing. The rollout of full fibre broadband and wireless connectivity (including 4G, 5G and Wi-Fi), over recent years isa true UK success story. Led by significant private investment, full fibre has been delivered throughout regionsof the UK, including many of the most deprived areas. Looking at full fibre broadband, Ofcom’s recent analysisshows that full fibre coverage is now at 18.7 million homes (62%),3representing an increase of 5 percentagepoints in the four months between September and January 2024. There is also a huge opportunity for theUK, with the UK Wireless Infrastructure Strategy suggesting widespread adoption of 5G could see £159bn inproductivity benefits by 2035.4Providing consumer value for money, the UK also ranks 5th out of 179 countriesfor mobile data affordability according to Broadband Genie’s 2024 Mobile Data Affordability Index.5 Over recent years, the sector has experienced shifting market dynamics alongside political and economicchange. Ongoing stagnation in productivity and real wages, large-scale and longstanding inequalities, and theneed to adapt in face of new shocks and sources of change – from the climate crisis and net zero transition torapid technological progress – all call for a carefully considered approach. Optimal policy and regulation aretherefore paramount to deliver telecoms infrastructure and digital connectivity to all regions of the UK. Indeed,investing in costly next generation infrastructure is possible but policymakers and operators must strike abalance between increasing demand from customers and ensuring services remain affordable given the cost-of-living crisis. The ambition to deliver gigabit-capable broadband to 85% of UK premises by 2025 and nationwide gigabitconnectivity by 20306, coupled with 5G standalone coverage for all populated areas by the same year,encapsulates a vision for the UK to become a world leader in digital connectivity. But the next government mustembrace the future, as ambitions for digital connectivity cannot stop here. At the heart of success lies a focuson uptake and adoption, made possible through the right targeted public sector investment and unleashingprivate sector investment. IntroductionIntroduction If the UK is to truly establish itself as a leading tech economy and remain a front runner in the global race toleverage emerging technologies, including AI, the government must harness the strength of the UK telecomssector. Robust digital infrastructure, including telecommunications infrastructure, is a vital pillar that enablesa vibrant, resilient, and growing digital economy to be built. It marks a key foundation of all the digital services,internet tools, connectivity, and cloud computing applications essential for a digital economy. Across the UK, consumers also demand world-class connectivity inside office buildings, venues, retail centres,and transportation hubs – with an expectation tha