Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Bowdon]

https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2018/12/cbi-demands-urgent-action-to-fast-track-uk-gigabit-broadband.html

A new report from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has warned that the UK Government must take “urgent action” and “fast track [new] laws” in order to ensure the delivery of its aspiration to achieve nationwide coverage of future 5G mobile by 2027 and “full fibre” (FTTP) Gigabit broadband ISP networks by 2033.

At present almost everything seems to have become understandably overshadowed by the current chaos surrounding all things Brexit. The CBI appears to be concerned that this is also starting to distract from the need to make other important decisions in the area of domestic policy, particularly around broadband and mobile.

The report – Ready, Set, Connect (PDF) – warns that without quicker Government action on funding and policy in 2019, firms of all sizes will be ”at risk of losing their competitive edge internationally” and could thus be placed “in danger of buffering“.

Broadly speaking the new report appears to support the approach that is currently being taken by the Government (see below), although they’re concerned that the UK is still moving too slowly and have made a series of recommendations to encourage greater progress.

    Matthew Fell, CBI UK Chief Policy Director, said:

    “In today’s world, digital connectivity matters more than ever – if data is the new oil, then digital connectivity is the pipe that transports it. Seamless connections, from full fibre networks to 5G, offer unprecedented opportunities for businesses and consumers across the UK.

    Our country is already home to hundreds of thousands of innovative technological firms, both start-ups and large enterprises.  Business models and workplaces are changing, and more people are either working from a coffee shop, their home or office.  They are the backbone of our economy and they all rely on fast and reliable digital connectivity to run their businesses successfully.

    Action needs to be taken now to unleash our digital economy which is already worth nearly £184 billion. This means the Government must unlock investment, update the law to help everyone get access to gigabit broadband and spur businesses to adopt new technologies.”

For its part the Government’s recent Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review (FTIR) has already set out what further changes need to be made in order to facilitate their future “full fibre” and 5G mobile plans. The telecoms regulator, Ofcom, then immediately followed this up with a related consultation on the necessary regulation changes.

Since then a further £200m of public funding has also been committed to help “full fibre” broadband ISP networks to reach into rural areas (Budget 2018). On top of that two new consultations have been launched that aim to help mandate gigabit‑capable broadband connections for new build homes. All of this is on top of earlier changes, such as the 5 year business rates holiday on new fibre and various funding schemes.

Nevertheless the CBI has called on the Government to “fast track” their plans and in some other areas, such as business rates, they’re seeking further action.