Digital infrastructure is at the heart of the UK’s future economic growth. From expanding broadband and 5G coverage to investing in innovation and security, the UK Government is laying the groundwork for a connected, resilient, and inclusive digital economy. The focus on rural connectivity, security, and global collaboration ensures that no one is left behind in this digital transformation.
This week's Connected Britain 2024 conference will consider a number of key issues:
1. What will it take to achieve truly ubiquitous connectivity in the UK?
Last year it was noted that connectivity is likely to become the primary engine of economic growth, creating jobs and fuelling innovation in the science and technology sectors. It’s clear that in the digital age, connectivity is not just a tool, but a fundamental driver of the country’s economic ambition.
Broadband access is key in building a connected and resilient economy and the challenges of consolidation within the market. The UK Government has ambitious targets to provide gigabit broadband to 85% of the UK by 2025 and over 99% by 2030.
With Project Gigabit and voucher schemes well under way, progress is well underway to close the digital divide, it will be interesting to receive an update on the UK's connectivity targets, gigabit broadband coverage and the impact on competition in the telecoms market and consolidation risks over the last 12 months.
2. How to mitigate the impact on vulnerable users of switching off legacy networks, the role partnerships can play in tackling digital exclusion and how local authority engagement with industry can build a successful ecosystem of innovators?
As highlighted last year, to ensure that digital connectivity benefits everyone, social tariffs were introduced to help low-income households stay online in an attempt to address the digital divide and ensuring that all communicates can participate in the digital economy.
Digital inclusion is a key component, putting customers at the foreground of the telecoms sector. Relationships with partners, suppliers and local authorities will be key to ensuring "connection with purpose" at grassroots level within the community.
We're looking forward to seeing which infrastructure upgrades and smart pilots are showcased this year and how local authorities can engage with industry and build a successful ecosystem of innovators
3. What is the state of play for the UK’s mobile market?
The widespread adoption of high-quality standalone 5G remains a key element in transforming the UK economy, with the UK Government aiming to provide 5G to all populated areas by 2030 by improving investment conditions and cutting deployment costs, the government is ensuring that the UK remains at the forefront of innovation.
As discussed following Connected North earlier this year, one year on from the UK Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, only 10% of UK had achieved standalone 5G coverage, emphasising the need for continued Government support, to help local authorities maximise funding opportunities for 5G infrastructure projects. It will be interesting to consider the developments in this area and how extremely rural areas, particularly in Scotland, present unique challenges and opportunities for innovative technologies.
4. From concept to capital: how can UK tech start-ups best navigate the funding landscape?
Competitive tension and additional challenges in the market (such as inflation and increased cost of energy and materials slowing build ambitions, securing investment complexities and/or evidencing adequate return on investment), means speculation regarding consolidation has been a constant over the last 12 months.
Attracting funding and valuation poses a challenge in the coming years, with not all networks being equally valued and it will be useful to understand navigation strategies going forwards.
5. Where is the UK when it comes to EV infrastructure rollout and what are the opportunities of AI for the UK?
Last year focussed on the investment in new technologies like satellite connectivity to reach remote areas and further improve digital access.
As the UK continues to invest in cutting-edge telecom solutions, innovation remains essential to ensure that all regions, including hard-to-reach areas, can benefit from high-quality digital services and has the infrastructure to support those initiatives.
6. What does good customer experience look like in the current digital era?
As we discussed previously there have been strides taken to ensure consumers and customers concerns are addressed such as, one touch switching, terminology and pricing transparency and banning inflation linked pricing.
Collaboration underpins the fundamental policy to provide digital inclusion and smarter, connected communities across the UK. Accessibility and affordability are also ongoing issues which need to be addressed. The conference will provide a platform for operators to talk about the tangible differences providers are seeking to make in this area and how they can play a role in improving social value.
7. In an increasingly digital world, what skills are needed in workplaces?
As noted last year, supply chain diversification and international collaboration initiatives were also discussed. As the digital landscape evolves, so does the need for secure and resilient workforce and infrastructure, ensuring that national security is safeguarded while embracing new telecom technologies.
We look forward to hearing more about what investments have been made the workforce sustainable, diversify the telecoms supply chain and create a more competitive and secure market that meet telecoms demands.
If you are attending the event, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me or colleagues, Martin Sloan, Scott Logan and Lucie Barnes, to discuss and share thoughts on any of the above questions and initiatives.
