Call for Speedier Rollout

Ministers urge local councils to grant access for 5G masts and full fibre broadband cabinets to expedite deployment.

11:04 31 August 2020

The UK Government wants to speed up the building and deployment of 5G and full-fibre infrastructure across the country.

 

Digital infrastructure Matt Warman and local government minister Simon Clarke have urged local councils to grant land access and valuations on public land more quickly to speed up the rollout of gigabit broadband and 5G mobile coverage in various areas. They are also asked to appoint a 'digital champion' to work across a number of teams on bringing together a cohesive digital infrastructure strategy. 

 

The call follows a statement from Hamish Macleod, director of Mobile UK, about challenges they face in bringing broadband to homes and businesses. He said: "Telecoms companies need to secure right to install their infrastructure on public sector land and buildings. but there are concerns some deals are not progressing quickly enough. This means homes, businesses and mobile customers are missing out on faster and more reliable internet connections." 

 

In a statement, Warman said: "We want to help people get access to fast and reliable connectivity. It is a top priority for this government. Councils have a vital role to play in the rollout of digital infrastructure and while there is good work going on up and down the country, there is more we can do." 

 

Clarke added: "This will help to drive growth locally and is part of this Government's mission to level up area of our country and help local areas to recover after the pandemic."