Plans to Speed Up 5G Rollout

New plans to cut red tape and install more 4G and 5G kits ASAP have been unveiled.

07:39 14 February 2022

New plans to simplify local authority processes to speed up the deployment of both 4G and 5G have been announced. Under the new plans, telecoms firms will get easier access to public buildings and street lights, bus shelters and traffic lights. 

 

A £4 million funding will be released under the Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Accelerator scheme to explore how digital software can help simplify local authority processes when telecoms operators request access to publicly-owned buildings and curbside infrastructure. 

 

Currently, telecoms firms that require information to verify if a structure is suitable for hosting network equipment find the process too difficult and time-consuming - which slows down the pace of deployment. In response, the government will invest in piloting the latest innovations in digital asset management platforms to allow local councils to easily share data with mobile phone companies when needed. 

 

Digital Infrastructure Minister Julia Lopez said: “ Everyone gets frustrated when their mobile signal is poor, particularly when patchy coverage holds up important work and social calls and makes it harder to do stuff online. That is why we are determined to get the UK the connectivity it needs by rolling out better mobile coverage as quickly as possible.

 

“ Currently, mobile companies are finding it difficult to get the data they need to check that a lamppost, bus shelter or public building is suitable for hosting their kit. These eight pilots will help solve this by modernising the way local authorities and operators work together in a way that ultimately delivers faster, more reliable mobile coverage for millions of people. It is all part of our joined-up strategy to deliver world-class connectivity to every corner of our country.”