The CBI has raised concern that Government attention is not focused enough on 5G and broadband and is urging it to take practical steps this year to add billions to the UK economy, enable companies to adopt new technologies, and close the productivity gap between London and the rest of the UK.

The business organisation has suggested that the Government should:

• Fast-track laws for firms to install internet connections in existing homes for private tenants and ensuring all new properties have full fibre or other gigabit cables installed when they’re built
• Equip all new train lines and other transport projects with full fibre cables
• Get businesses ready for 5G adoption by raising awareness of its uses and how firms can use it through government trials.

Mobile UK welcomes the continued pressure being applied by the CBI on the need for urgent action to ensure the UK can continue to be at the forefront of digital connectivity. Mobile UK is also calling on Government to ensure that reforms are put in place to the planning regime, including a simplified permitted development rights regime for telecommunications infrastructure across the whole of the UK, that will make it simpler, easier and more cost-effective for mobile operators to deploy 4G and 5G mobile infrastructure.

The CBI’s report goes on to suggest that without Government action in 2019, the UK risks a growing digital divide that leaves people and businesses behind, that’s according to its report Ready, Set, Connect.

Notes to Editors

1. Mobile UK is the trade association for the UK’s mobile network operators -  EE, O2, Three and Vodafone.
2. To read the CBI’s statement, please click here.
3. To read the CBI’s report Ready, Set, Connect click here.